Abbey Court School Phase 1 and Phase 2

Project: Abbey Court School Phase 1 and Phase 2

Client: Medway Council

Our skilled team worked with Medway Council and Neilcott Construction to deliver both phases of Abbey Court School in Kent. The nursery and primary school delivered over two phases provides the community with dedicated educational facilities for children with severe and profound learning difficulties.

Along with carefully considered teaching, welfare and hygiene spaces, the project provided enrichment spaces to provide the students with an interactive and engaging education. These areas include:

• ‘Tonto’ horse riding simulator
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Immersive projection rooms
• Sensory rooms
• Soft play rooms
• ‘Life skills’ kitchen
• ‘Life skills’ training room
• Design technology lab
• Science lab
• ICT room
• Library
• Music therapy room

BSE3D supported the design team by providing full MEP technical designs and calculations in addition to Part L compliance and TM52 overheating assessments. Phase 1 was completed in 2017, with space and capacity in the plant available for the second phase, completed in 2022.

The building was built using a Modern Method of Construction (MMC). This was from cross laminated timber (CLT) manufactured off site and delivered ready for assembly. Due to the offsite manufacturer, and the CLT panels forming the structure of the building, our primary service routes had to be identified at an early stage of the project. This allowed builders work holes to be accurately cut in the factory and ready for services installation once the panels were assembled.

The scheme utilised natural ventilation via high and low level windows in the single storey Phase 1 works, with natural ventilation wind turrets being used for the double storey Phase 2 works. LED lighting with daylight dimming was used throughout scheme to save energy, with automatic controls implemented throughout corridors, stores and staff areas.

A combination of wall mounted low surface temperature radiators and ceiling mounted LTHW radiant panels were used to ensure the safety of the vulnerable students. To support the mobility of students and the staff supporting them, specialist hoist systems were installed across the school.