This project delivered a new three-storey, 15‑classroom block, incorporating a 45‑space basement carpark, alongside extensive staged demolition and refurbishment of existing buildings within a live school environment. The works also included associated infrastructure upgrades, new services, pavements, and soft landscaping.

The structure features conventional strip footings and retaining wall systems, with precast concrete walls forming the basement. Above, a structural steel frame supports a long-run metal “warm roof” system. Floor construction across all upper levels combines precast double‑TT units with concrete topping and unispan flat slabs. The exterior is finished with a durable combination of brick veneer and Trespa high-pressure laminate cladding.

Internally, the building incorporates high-quality, low-maintenance finishes including painted plasterboard linings, suspended ceilings, and a combination of vinyl and carpet tile flooring. Feature spaces are enhanced with Autex decorative and acoustic wall panels.

The main entrance opens into a light-filled atrium, creating a welcoming reception and administration hub. Teaching spaces are thoughtfully arranged to connect to generous covered decks and stairways, with extensive sheltered outdoor areas provided across all levels to support flexible and outdoor learning opportunities.

The building form has been carefully designed to provide shading to the majority of windows, maximising natural daylight while reducing glare and solar heat gain. Material selection prioritised durability, low maintenance, and cost efficiency, ensuring long-term performance within budget constraints.

Watts & Hughes Involvement

Watts & Hughes was engaged at the Request for Tender (RFT) stage, where we assembled and led the full design team, providing single-point accountability and full project oversight.

Our scope included masterplan confirmation and close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, school leadership, Board of Trustees, and wider stakeholder groups. We managed all design phases - from preliminary through to detailed design - while facilitating value engineering workshops and delivering accurate cost planning, approvals, and consenting.

Despite construction being impacted by a 30-day site shutdown during COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions, followed by further Level 3 disruptions, our team implemented revised work sequences and allocated additional resources to recover lost time. As a result, Practical Completion was achieved in line with the original programme.

Watts & Hughes oversaw all pre-construction and construction activities, coordinating a network of specialist subcontractors to meet strict quality, safety, and programme requirements. Our involvement spanned the entire project lifecycle - from initial master planning through to final testing, commissioning, and handover.

The completed facility has been very well received, with the school expressing strong satisfaction with its new learning environment.

Hero image credit: JASMAX