Schools & Hospitals > Fitzmaurice School

Project Report

FITZMAURICE SCHOOL, CHILDRENS CENTRE & NURSERY

Architect: Paul Stevens Architects
Client: West Wiltshire District Council
Main Contractor: Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd
Requirements 

Our brief was to demolish the school’s external storage building and construct a single storey stand alone building to replace the existing old timber style Nursery which would then be pulled down once the new classrooms were complete.  One of the main requirements of our client was ensuring the safety of the school’s users during the construction project.

Construction

The new building could only be accessed through the Primary School’s car park therefore careful planning and liaison with the Head Teacher was necessary to ensure all children, parents, carers and teachers were given safe access to the existing school thereby preventing any accidents occurring.  The site was completely fenced off and access gates kept shut at all times. 

Delivery of materials were made at designated times of the day when pupils were in class and noisy operations only took place outside of normal school hours.  This ensured minimal disruption to the everyday life of the school.

Once the existing storage building had been demolished a raft foundation was formed due to the exceptionally rocky ground upon which the new building would be constructed. 


The external façade was built in reconstructed Bath stone to match the adjacent buildings and a clay pantile roof structure was built incorporating two sun pipes or light catchers to give additional light to some of the internal rooms which would have no natural light.  Large double glazed windows were also installed to maximise the natural light in the building.

The internal layout consisted of solid block walls with plaster and paint finish which included classroom areas for children aged between 0-5 years, a baby change area, milk kitchen, staff kitchen, offices and toilets.

Underfloor heating was installed to provide a constant room temperature and to benefit the children when playing on the soft floor surfaces.  The roof area above consisted of glass roof lights with electrically operated controls to give natural ventilation which was fitted with self cleaning solar control glass.

All fixtures and fittings were completed to our client’s requirements including new toilets for the children which were designed with colourful low level cubicles for ease of use. 

Externally a covered area provided a dry playing zone along the side of the building with easy access from the classrooms.  Soft landscaping provided a grassed area with shade and included a tunnel and timber bridge as well as a small wildlife garden.

On completion of the project the client was delighted with the new facility which was finished to a high standard.

Value £700,000