Knaresborough St John, Knaresborough
New Build Classroom Extension
The Challenge
This popular and centrally located primary school was identified by the local Education Authority as undersized for the forecast school demand. North Yorkshire County Council commissioned
a feasibility study to provide Knaresborough St Johns C of E Community Primary School with additional classroom space to meet the required expansion. This would be targeted for Early Years provision.
The existing school had previously been expanded to the extent that the available site space was extremely limited and site levels provided an extremely challenging canvas to provide a solution that would provide an exciting teaching environment.
Solution
A new two-classroom extension was provided. This incorporated the reconstruction of an existing link corridor and the internal refit and redecoration of adjacent toilet facilities.
There was also an opportunity to provide a new covered balcony linking to the play area, while the secure internal courtyard play area was resurfaced using rubber safety surfacing.
The new classrooms utilised existing stone derived from on-site demolition, and was slid between two projecting areas of existing building.
The design was based around improving the natural ventilation and thermal performance of the building. A steel frame provided a speedy and efficient site erection in limited space available.
Timber cladding panels were also chosen to add some variety to the extension as well as allowing a natural aging.
Benefits
The new development exceeded the client’s expectations for the building extension, refurbishment and external works. The project was delivered within the agreed programme and within
budget with the minimum of disruption to the school while the school was in full use. What was an under utilised internal courtyard was reinvigorated and formed a safeguarded play area for Early Years.
The client and end users expressed their considerable satisfaction of all aspects of the works and resulting new facility.
Excellent service overall. Thank you!
Emma Higgins – Headteacher – St John’s CofE School
