Other projects within this sector

Poynton High School, Poynton, Cheshire

Using a fully integrated BIM approach, Pozzoni has created an elegant and inspiring learning environment for 338 sixth form students, achieving BREEAM ‘good’.

The project
Pozzoni has designed a new standalone sixth form centre for 338 students, supported by facilities from the existing main school. The project was delivered through the North West Construction Hub framework. A fully integrated Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach was used to design and coordinate the building. The scheme has replaced over-capacity Portakabin facilities and created an inspiring learning environment for sixth form students, supported by open-plan, naturally ventilated social spaces.

The design
The site is positioned behind the existing main school buildings and entrance, which potentially resulted in it being hidden from view at street level. However, the enhanced floor to floor heights have ensured that the building offers significant presence on site from street level and on approach, without being overscaled or dominating the existing buildings on site. The new sixth form entrance is visible from the road, but Pozzoni’s design solution has contributed to rebranding the school and given it improved presence.

Pozzoni worked with both the client and contractor to develop the most workable and affordable solution, with a complete re-evaluation of the existing feasibility study.

The team has created a sixth form centre, with 10 teaching classrooms, three of which have folding acoustic walls which open to form an exam hall, two IT suites, supporting offices, meeting rooms, stores and ancillary facilities. These centre around the hub space of the centre which is split across 2 two levels into an cafe/workzone and breakout spaces for the classrooms.

The new 6th form centre contrasts in material and fenestration treatment with the existing site, having longitudinal emphasis, with feature coloured glazing and varying mullion widths. The first floor workzone is clearly visible through full height floor to ceiling glazing which advertises the building function within the school grounds. This is articulated by materials such as smooth aluminium composite panels, smooth dark blue brickwork, polyester powder coated windows and curtain walling with profile designed transoms. This gives the simple and rational form a sense of confidence and maturity.

The building has a contemporary appearance and provides useable space efficiently. The building will withstand the rigours of modern education, with the flexibility to respond to changing curriculum demands.

Poynton has been shortlisted in the LABC NW Regional Awards for Best Education Building category

"The overall commitment shown by the collaborative team is to be commended. I have undertaken well over ï¿½400m of public sector works over the years - yet the Poynton HS VI Form scheme has to be the most team engaging and "everybody wanting to go that extra mile" scheme I have ever worked on.

"Not least the enthusiasm of the design team and the manner of holding out for a bold design by Nigel at Pozzoni, but also the Building Information Modelling trial, that was promoted by Pozzoni and Kier as being particularly relevant for this scheme."

Gordon Tebay, Property Development & Projects Manager, Cheshire East Council

View Poynton Case Study

Photographs by Beccy Lane - www.posimage.co.uk

Details

Client:
TBC
Project value:
£TBC