S/Oct 2023 • £8 also in this issue: ebf preview Top speakers and networking of the best kind Fit-outs The inside track on how to make fit-outs go smoothly Roofing Slate achieves the right look at Grade II listed Newport school also in this issue - hee magazine: Design solutions: Fostering community across a thriving campus Flooring: Contemporary designs in student accommodation Tiling: How to install porcelain wall and floor tiles in a modern atrium and wash rooms Learning lessons - the design team revisits its work A post-occupation assessment of how well Norwich’s Duke Street Riverside performs
educationdab.co.uk 3 They can’t say they weren’t warned DEATH and taxes have always been seen as the great inevitables in life. We can now add to that doleful list under-investment in schools. Time after time, over the past decade and more, the government of the day has spurned requests from local authorities and even its own officials at the Department of Education for money to maintain the schools estate. Neutral bodies such as the National Audit Office have been calling attention to the impending disaster of schools on the verge of collapse. Even actual collapses, such as occurred at a primary school in Kent in 2018, have not been enough to persuade government to loosen the purse strings and ensure children are not killed by falling masonry (it is surely a miracle this has not yet happened: pray goodness it never will, but we should not be relying on prayer). No, for whomsoever was in power, it was more important to divert whatever money was available towards building new schools rather than to spend money on maintaining the existing schools – MPs cutting ribbons to open new facilities being so much more eye-catching than contractors patching up dodgy roofs. Yes of course new schools need to be built but old ones need to be looked after too, and here the government’s record is woeful. The case for maintenance spend was never pushed firmly enough around the Cabinet Table – and with Education Secretaries of State the very definition of ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ politicians (five in one year!), and so many other competing demands for public investment, those dodgy roofs were always going to be left for fixing by the next government or the one after that, or until the problem became too visible to avoid. Like now. With the day of reckoning upon us, action is finally required. Which budget the money will be diverted from is unclear, as is the amount required, but it must not be to the detriment of the new schools building programme. Difficulties lie everywhere in the RAAC remediation programme. It is sometimes unclear where RAAC has been used (one of the reasons this is a time bomb that has continued to tick rather than be defused). Only properly qualified assessors – and these are in limited supply – must be contracted to establish the full scale of the problem. Asbestos is bound to rear its ugly head in the clear-up – another long-term problem swept under the carpet by government. And the construction market itself is struggling with skills and materials shortages, which will extend the repair programme and push up costs. Nevertheless, it must be done – and as swiftly as possible. Learning lessons: looking back at how well Duke Street Riverside performs It’s now well over a year since Hudson Architects’ landmark, award-winning project Duke Street Riverside completed on site at Norwich University of the Arts. Jack Spencer Ashworth, Senior Associate at the practice, assesses how well they delivered on their performance brief. Story pages 23-24. Image: Joakim Boren Editor Andrew Pring Sales director Julian Walter Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid Managing director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. Publishers Stable Publishing Limited, SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. [email protected] Andrew Pring Editor [email protected]
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on creating inclusive and accessible centres for learning and personal development. Inclusive design encompasses not only physical accessibility but also emotional well-being of the individual encompassing the space. Interior design plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical and emotional environment of educational facilities. At Tarkett, we have leveraged this understanding to create that accommodate the diverse needs of students, educators, and visitors, ensuring that no one is excluded in anyway. Human Conscious Design Principles Promoting accessibility & inclusion CREATING SPACES WHERE CHILDREN THRIVE
educationdab.co.uk 5 educationdab.co.uk contents S/Oct 2023 6Architects WindsorPatania have come up with an AI-driven teaching environment which they claim is “reimagining the future of education”. 8 Analysis The RAAC crisis – views from across the sector. 10 Design Solutions Leeds City College faced a significant challenge as they experienced an unprecedented surge in applicants due to the government's emphasis on STEM subjects and limited further education places. Going modular was their response. 12 ebf Preview Still time to book your place at Stable Events’ education building forum if you’ve not already done so. See you at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park on November 9 and 10. 15 Fitting out The new £18m Prestwick North Education Campus has replaced Glenburn Primary and St Ninian’s Primary School and has received a smart new fit out. 16 Roofing Natural slate was recently specified for the refurbishment of a Grade II listed school building in Newport, South Wales.
6 educationdab.co.uk news ARCHITECTS WindsorPatania have come up with an AI-driven teaching environment which they claim is “reimagining the future of education”. The futuristic concept has been housed for the first time in what the practice calls an Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab) that has been installed at West Suffolk College, an FE college in Bury St Edmunds which is part of Eastern Colleges Group, a training organisation which works with schools and colleges. Students at West Suffolk College have been using their new XR Lab to explore AI-powered technology such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality Technology in what WindsorPatania describe as “a pioneering learning environment”. The architect’s brief was to create a space that drives innovation in learning, education, and research, and which can appeal to a diverse student body. The Lab is contained within a hub that’s been installed in a hanger that previously housed the college’s engineering department. Serving as a lecture theatre, the Lab has wall-to-wall screens, a motion capture system, immersive sound,video, and 62VR headsets on the side walls. This space also provides a “tables set-up” which promotes a culture of teamwork among students, encouraging real-life interactions amongst the high-tech facilities in the space. Each space with XR Lab features advanced cameras and microphones that relay information to the other areas, creating a dynamic an all-encompassing interactive educational experience. The project has been underwritten by £2m of government funding. Richard Stevenson, Group Director of Operations, Eastern Colleges Group, said: “XR Lab is a catalyst for ground-breaking ideas, a place to bring students and industry together to explore new ways of working, teaching and learning”. Ryan Windsor, Co-Director of WindsorPatania, commented: “From the onset, the project aim was to innovate and democratise education. With the recent debates surrounding AI and its role in our future world, XR Lab sets a clear blueprint that can be implemented to achieve positive advances by embracing cuttingedge technology for learning.” comments As well as helping students at West Suffolk College explore AI technology, Eastern College Group hopes that the XR Lab can be rolled out to other schools and colleges. The aim is to drive innovation across the College Group’s education programmes and enable training and collaboration with businesses and organisations in the region. Nikos Savvas, CEO, Eastern Colleges Group, said: “XR Lab opens the path for exceptional opportunities for the local community to engage with and benefit from its advanced technologies. Itis going to revolutionise teaching and learning across all sectors.” SEVEN UK schools have been selected to take part in an £18.6m innovative Decarbonisation Pilot, led by the Department for Education (DfE). The pilot will see schools benefit from new low carbon heating solutions, as well as improvements to the buildings fabric to make the school more thermal efficient, all procured through Fusion 21 frameworks. Where necessary, the schools’ building fabric will be improved with upgrades ranging from new electrics, roofs and ceilings to new doors and windows amid a government drive to make educational buildings greener. The UK government is committed to climate action and has set out targets in its strategy to 2050. This project will support the drive for existing school buildings to be adapted and new ones designed adequately to respond to climate change and reduce emissions. The pilot will provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about alternative greener heating solutions and to use the learnings to consider how this can be scaled up to accelerate decarbonisation in the future. AI-driven hub offers students high-tech insights Schools share £18.6m decarbonisation makeover in Fusion21-backed pilot
THE Government has come under severe criticism from across the political and educational spectrum for its approach to managing the safety of school buildings containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Following the Government decision to close over 104 schools in the week before the autumn school term started, the Local Government Association said it had been warning about the risk of RAAC since 2018, when the roof of a school in Gravesend, Kent collapsed following the failure of RAAC panels. Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, which represents mostly head teachers, said the government had "failed to invest sufficiently in the school estate. It should have put in place a programme to identify and remediate this risk at a much earlier stage." The National Audit Office also said it has been warning for several years of the risk of injury or death from a school building collapse. As recently as June this year, the NAO said the risk of a school building collapse because of RAAC was "very likely and critical", and it identified 572 English schools – out of the total 20,000 – where this concrete might be present. The Government said in late August: “We have published new guidance advising education settings to vacate areas that are known to contain RAAC, unless or until suitable mitigations are in place. It is important to remember that currently less than 1% of settings are affected by this new guidance.” How quickly remediation of the problems at affected schools can take place is not yet clear. Nor are the costs of the rebuilding programme, nor how the DfE’s spending plans will be impacted. • See Analysis, Page 8, for more on the RAAC crisis educationdab.co.uk 7 news Government to blame for RAAC crisis say education leaders IN a further blow to the reputation of construction standards in English schools, the DfE is undertaking a review of a number of modular-built schools to establish they are safe. The move follows its decision to close three modular-built schools at the start of the autumn term because they were deemed unable to withstand high winds. The schools were built at a total cost of £40m by Caledonian Modular, which went into administration in March last year. They are Sir Frederick Gibberd College, a secondary school in Harlow, Essex; Haygrove School, in Bridgwater, Somerset; and Buckton Fields Primary School, in Northampton. Safety issues emerged at these schools when two other Caledonian Modular-built primary schools had to be demolished before completion – and it was these discoveries that had triggered concerns over other Caledonian Modular schools. The two had been discovered to be defective following Caledonian’s collapse into administration. The DfE is now reviewing other MMC contracts to identify where Caledonian Modular may have been involved. The DfE told EDB: “We commissioned an investigation of the quality of build prior to re-procurement that found very severe quality failures, which resulted in our decision to rebuild these two schools. Given that experience, we turned our attention to the three schools CML had delivered to us previously. We commissioned a survey, which highlighted issues that the buildings could not be confirmed as safe to use.” In 2020 the Government committed £3bn to commissioning off-site, modern methods of construction for large parts of its school building programme. Caledonian modular-built schools failures shine spotlight on MMC sector Sir Frederick Gibberd School
8 educationdab.co.uk analysis RAAC – so many questions to be answered WITH over 170 schools closed, partly closed or facing closure thanks to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), educationalists and built environment professionals are asking how many more of the country’s 22,000+ schools may yet be discovered to be unsafe, how much remediation will cost and how long will it take. But until many thousands of structural surveys are conducted, answers are in short supply. Writing on the website MyJobQuote, property and construction expert Thomas Goodman explained the background to the problem: “RAAC is a lightweight type of concrete that was widely used as a constructed material during the late 1900s. Invented in the 1930s, the material includes cement, lime and sand heated to 200 degrees Celsius under high pressure – a process known as autoclaving. Aluminium flakes were added to the mix before autoclaving to produce hydrogen through a reaction process with the lime. This then forms air bubbles in the material, making it more lightweight than traditional concrete. This resulted in lower costs and was considered easier to use than the heavier traditional concrete. “The vast majority of structures that exist today with RAAC have the material prevalent in the roof structure, which is usually flat and difficult to inspect, maintain, and replace. The material can also be susceptible to moisture issues. This can include things such as mould growth and deterioration if it has not been properly waterproofed or maintained. Improper installation can also lead to structural weaknesses or other issues that may not be visible or easy to detect. “When RAAC shifts or collapses, this could also disturb any materials containing asbestos. The majority of UK schools contain asbestos, unfortunately. When asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in, this could cause breathing problems and may result in serious illnesses later in life. Unfortunately, it's difficult to determine when RAAC is on the brink of a collapse as there seem to be no warning signs beforehand.” In 2018, an RAAC roof panel in a school collapsed suddenly without any prior warning signs. Since then, there have been several other RAAC collapses where the material seemed to be in good condition. It’s because this failure was so well known in the sector that the Government is being blamed for not providing sufficient funding for proper maintenance or replacement of RAAC material across the entire school estate. According to the Government, £15bn has been spent on keeping schools safe since 2015, with a further £1.8 billion committed for 2023-24. The Government has also confirmed that it is working on identifying and rectifying schools that may have RAAC in their structural elements. There have been over 200 assessments so far of schools where RAAC is suspected. These assessments aim to identify and verify the presence of the material as well as assess the condition. The government has also confirmed that they are on track to complete 600 assessments by Autumn. RAAC has been identified in 65 schools so far, with 24 of them requiring immediate action. In its submission for the 2020 Spending Review, the department stated that it needed £5.3bn per year of capital funding for maintaining schools and mitigating any serious risks. Due to the length of time that it would take the department to expand the school rebuilding programme, it requested an average of £4bn per year between 2021 and 2025. However, the Treasury has allocated an average of £3.1 billion, leading to bodies such as local authorities and academy trusts only being able to draw on limited funding for the most urgent issues.
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10 educationdab.co.uk design solutions Modular approach serves Leeds City College well Leeds City College faced a significant challenge as they experienced an unprecedented surge in applicants due to the government's emphasis on STEM subjects and limited further education places. Going modular was their response TO meet the growing demands of the education sector, Leeds City College embarked on a transformative project to develop a state-of-the-art engineering campus. The objective was to create a cutting-edge facility while embracing sustainability, aligning with the increasing environmental concerns and the urgency to address climate change. Collaborating with consultants including DB3 Architects, CCS Consulting, and JLL Planning, Premier Modular undertook the task of converting the original and listed Printworks site into an innovative educational space. The resulting facility spans 1,150 sqm across three floors and included classrooms, teaching facilities, break-out areas, offices, and essential amenities. Preserving the Grade II status of the Printworks building was a critical consideration throughout the project. Premier Modular worked closely with the college, adhering to planning guidelines, to ensure the listed building status was protected. They employed corten steel sheet cladding with a tarnished look to retain the iconic appeal of the original Printworks while incorporating an aluminium curtain walling system for enhanced aesthetics. To overcome the challenges of a constrained site and ensure minimal waste generation, offsite construction proved to be the ideal solution. Modular construction in a controlled factory setting allowed the college and parts of the car park to remain operational throughout the build. The new education facility was built offsite to reduce programme time. It was ordered, developed, installed and completed in just ten months. Joanna Gabrilatsou, regional head of planning, JLL Planning, who also collaborated on the development says, “It was key that the new education building stood out whilst respecting the character of the existing buildings. Maximising the teaching space whilst retaining the car park was equally essential and required us to sit the new building on a podium, over the parking area. Achieving this ensured the facility had a high-quality, sustainable design to the benefit of the college. “We worked closely with the design team to make sure we had a scheme that worked for everybody – and timing was key for this. It was a quick process working closely with Premier Modular. As a collective, we had the same clear objectives and ensured they were delivered.” James Boswell, director of CCS Consulting and responsible for the civil/structural engineering elements at Luminate Printworks, comments, “One of the biggest challenges during the install of Luminate Printworks was the underlying ground conditions. As we were developing a brownfield site, there were remnants of a building that had been demolished years ago, which clashed with our proposed foundations. Existing services and contamination were also present within the ground, and we were developing on a flood zone 2 from the River Aire that runs through Leeds city centre. “After extensive ground investigations, we adopted a pile foundation solution with below-ground transfer ground beams. This limited the waste from the site, whilst mitigating the issues with contamination and existing buried services. By building the structure on a podium, we were also able to alleviate the flood risks.”
educationdab.co.uk 11 design solutions Sustainability was at the heart of the Luminate Education Group's vision, which is evident from the facility's design. Photovoltaic (PV) panels were strategically installed on the roof, harnessing solar energy to generate renewable electricity. This aligned perfectly with the college's sustainability goals while also providing long-term cost savings by utilising solar power instead of relying solely on conventional energy sources. For efficient heating and energy consumption, the college opted for air source heat pumps. These innovative heat pumps were installed to effectively heat both the facility and water in the building, resulting in a fully electric structure and a significant reduction in carbon emissions. In line with their commitment to supporting electric mobility, the college future-proofed the underground car park with six electric vehicle (EV) charging points. By incorporating all the relevant ductwork during the construction process, the seamless addition of more EV charging points in the future without the need for disruptive excavation is ensured. Leeds City College believes its innovative approach to sustainability sets an inspiring example for educational institutions across the country. The building looks incredible and it’s going to be a huge part of the push for STEM subjects in the future,” said Dan Allison of Premier Modular. “This project was a huge achievement. and provided a great opportunity to work with a fabulous team of consultants. You can’t underestimate the power of a strong partnership within this industry. This project is proof of the great things we can achieve when we all play to our strengths. “The result was also a testament to what modular can do. We’re championing a movement away from ideas that some still have about modular. These ideas stem from the modular buildings of the twentieth century, that didn’t incorporate the technical and sustainable features included in the solutions of today – such as PV panels, ventilation systems and paneling that reflects individual needs. If you compare what we manufacture now to what we did when we started over 65 years ago, it’s unrecognisable in terms of quality, design and technique.” www.premiermodular.co.uk www.db3group.com www.ccs-consulting.co.uk www. jll.co.uk/en/solutions/planning
12 educationdab.co.uk event preview Almost time for ebf–THE event for education’s building leaders ONLY a few weeks to go now until Stable Events’ education building forum – so if you’ve not yet done so, put November 9 and 10 in your diary and get in touch as soon as possible to book your place at this must-attend gathering. We’re revisiting one of our most popular venues, the beautifully scenic De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire, where we’ll be discussing all the latest industry issues and facilitating meetings between like-minded professionals who can help each other do business more smoothly and efficiently. A series of top-level speakers is presenting at the Forum, delivering invaluable insights into new projects as well as many of the key issues of the day. This year’s seminar theme is “Shaping environments that nuture, engage and educate”. Speakers will be addressing topics that include: Neuro-based classroom design in nursery and primary schools; MMC; Biophilic schools; and analysis of the DfE’s capital expenditure plans. Among the speakers are: Stephanie Kyle, Architect and Inclusive Design Consultant, Maber Architects, on “How to incorporate neurodiverse-inclusive design whilst complying with the DfE’s requirements”; Lawrence Brenchley, Director, Hatfield Interiors, on “Environments that inspire top tier teaching”; Clare Bowman, Director, RCZM Architects, with Suzie Longstaff, Principal London Parks School, Dukes Education, on “The biophilic classroom – the benefits of nature in learning environments”; Maria Luigia Assirelli, Senior Associate, Floyd Slaski Architects, on “Main principles to designing an autism-friendly environment”; Mel Robinson, BIM Academy, on “Digital advancements with DoE new schools developments”; and Craig Taylor, Director, Lungfish Architects, on MMC. As well as engaging with presenters in a relaxed setting, delegates at the education building forum can network extensively with a wide range of like-minded people. Attending will be education estates and facilities professionals in the schools and universities sectors, architects, consultants, contractors, project managers and M&E specialists plus a wide range of key suppliers from across the education spectrum. Held over one and half days in a fabulous setting, the schedule of seminars and oneon-one business meetings is complemented by an extensive social programme including an informal dinner on the 9th. The education building forum is a fully CPD-certified event. For more details, or to register now for your complimentary place, contact either Brittany Filby or Georgie Smith, both on 0208 288 1080. Emails: [email protected]; [email protected] What: The education building forum 2023 When: 9th-10th November 2023 Where: De Vere Cotswold Water Park Web: www.eb-forum.co.uk “Really enjoyed the event, very well organised and executed. The event book was a standout for me in terms of enabling quality follow-ups.” Mace “Very good experience.” Willmott Dixon Interiors “A very useful event that was very informative and provided opportunity to network as well as enjoy some relaxing downtime.” Vitruvius Management Services “It was very well organised and went like clockwork.” Adrian James Architects
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educationdab.co.uk 15 interiors ANEW £18m primary school campus has been fitted out by Deanestor, working with main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction. The new Prestwick North Education Campus has replaced Glenburn Primary and St Ninian’s Primary School. It was delivered for South Ayrshire Council by hub South West Scotland. Designed by BDP, the campus will accommodate more than 800 pupils who will benefit from a wide range of spaces for teaching and learning, such as interactive play areas, an early years’ centre, outdoor classrooms, and firstclass sports facilities. Deanestor fitted out 125 rooms across the campus based around 42 room types. These were designed to create inspiring spaces where students can socialise, learn and flourish and include 22 classrooms, flexible learning zones, multipurpose hall, sports hall, drama studio, and reception area. The fitted furniture manufactured by Deanestor – primarily storage units, shelving, and worktops – were finished in maple as part of the biophilic design strategy which uses a mix of natural tones to reflect the local landscape. Deanestor installed more than 1,200 items of loose and fitted furniture for this project, from storage space to white goods, tables, chairs, staging, dispensers, and whiteboards. Councillor Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, said, “We are committed to providing children and young people with the very best possible start in life. Prestwick Educational Campus will provide a modern and engaging environment for learning and will ensure pupils can thrive throughout their years at the school. "This fantastic campus is set to transform learning in Prestwick and beyond. Each school continues to have their own identity but benefits from modern, engaging, and inclusive teaching spaces. The central atrium connects the two schools, providing a unique setting where the children can learn, socialise, and dine together. "The campus benefits from the latest renewable energy technologies. Modern construction techniques and materials have ensured the building is highly insulated, with energy consumption reduced by 61% compared to the old Glenburn and St Ninian's Primary School buildings. "I would like to thank hub South West Scotland, Morgan Sindall Construction, and BDP Architects for all their efforts. The campus has been short-listed for a Scottish Design Award which would be the culmination of all their hard work." Gaynor Hartley Head Teacher of Glenburn Primary, Jacqueline McPeake, Head Teacher of St Ninian's and Susan Cole, Manager of Prestwick North Early Years Centre commented in a joint statement: "We are truly lucky to have this amazing facility and our pupils tell you how much they love their new campus.We have retained our school traditions and values, but there are numerous opportunities for us to work and learn together. BDP Architects and Morgan Sindall listened attentively to our views and the opinions of parents and pupils, and we were extremely grateful for this level of consultation.” Michael Ross, Chief Executive of hub South West Scotland said, “We are incredibly proud to have led the delivery of this project for South Ayrshire Council which was completed early and on budget. The Prestwick Campus was a real team effort and a huge well done goes out to all partners involved who have gone above and beyond, delivering the project to the highest quality standards.” Sustainability was an important driver in the design of the campus, which runs on electric power. It has roof-mounted solar panels and air source heat pumps to provide heating. An allotment garden, willow garden and sensory garden give students and children from the surrounding community the opportunity to learn about nature. www.deanestor.co.uk/education www.bdp.com www.morgansindall.com New Prestwick campus gets smart fit-out
16 educationdab.co.uk exteriors Slate achieves the right look at Grade II listed Newport school CUPA PIZARRAS’ CUPA H12 natural slate was recently specified for the refurbishment of a Grade II listed school building in Newport, South Wales. Selected as a cost effective yet authentic alternative to traditional Welsh slate, the CUPA H12 helped the project team retain the original aesthetic of the St Woolos Primary School annexe building while creating a modern working space for the local community. St Woolos Primary School was built in 1904 and is now Grade II listed due to the historic significance of the site. A twostorey annexe, which sits next to the main school building, was originally used for the teaching of vocational skills, however the needs of the school changed over time and by the early 1920s it was no longer in use. Instead, it was rented out to a local boxing club, which occupied the building for the next 96 years. When the boxing club vacated the building, Newport City Council and its property management and maintenance partner Newport Norse embarked on a programme of refurbishment to allow the school to utilise the annexe again. The intention was for it to become a multifunctional facility, serving as both the school canteen and a space for educational and extra-curricular activities. Moving the canteen to the annexe also allowed an additional classroom to be created in the main school building, enabling class sizes to be kept smaller – a priority for the school. Maxine White, Project Manager at Newport Norse explained: “As a listed building, the refurbishment of the annexe required a balance between retaining and restoring the traditional elements while also ensuring we created a modern space that meets the current and future needs of the school and the community. “The extensive renovation of the interior and exterior of the annexe included upgrades to the insulation to improve energy efficiency, restoring some of the original internal features, renewing the windows and fully replacing the slate roof.” Due to the building’s status as a listed building, a Heritage Impact Assessment had to be carried out by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. It stated that the slate roof, originally sourced from the Ffestiniog area of North Wales, needed to be replaced with a slate that matched the original aesthetic. However, the cost of modern Welsh slate meant that a likefor-like replacement was not feasible. Following a Natural Slate CPD session, the design team at Newport Norse approached CUPA PIZARRAS about the possibility of using its Spanish slates as an alternative. Stuart Black, Area Sales Manager at CUPA PIZARRAS, said: “Our slate is an ideal replacement for many traditional British slates that are no longer mined or more difficult to source. For St Woolos Primary School, I suggested the grey CUPA 12 slate, which closely matches the colour of traditional Welsh slate and as such has been used on several listed buildings across South Wales. CUPA 12 is also approved for use within the protected Snowdonia National Park due to its similarity to Welsh slate. The physical similarity and the previous use on traditional Welsh buildings meant that it was simple to secure approval to use CUPA 12 for the school’s refurbishment.” Maxine White said she was “ delighted with the finished roof. The use of CUPA H12 has helped us to retain the original and historic character of the annexe while providing a modern space that will benefit the school and community for years to come.” www.cupapizarras.com/uk/
educationdab.co.uk 17 event preview See you at Education Estates®! THE annual Education Estates® Exhibition, Conference and Awards will take place soon: 17-18 October. Held in partnership with the Department for Education, Education Estates® is the leading event for learning environments in the UK, focusing on educational buildings, giving a peek into the future and discussing the key challenges. It is now in its 11th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 130 exhibitors. The organisers expect 2,700+ attendees over two days, looking to discover solutions to their own specific challenges, whether that is a brand new building or new initiatives that enhance an existing facility. The event is targeted at those who influence, design and build educational facilities, bringing together policy makers, architects, suppliers, directors of estates and head teachers. All share the common goal of maximising the potential of our young people through innovative design and imaginative solutions. This year’s conference programme promises to be truly inspiring, with a Department for Education briefing on policy and design, and sessions that address unlocking efficiency, zero carbon, sustainability, safety, inclusion, digital future and enhancing the learner’s experience. In total, over 120 experts will be speaking, sharing their insights and lessons learned. All the leading names will be represented at the exhibition, with a wide range of products and services on display, all designed to elevate learning environments and create inspiring spaces for students and educators. Big names include: ArcadisRéalis, Atkins, Galliford Try, Dulux Trade, TG Escapes modular ecobuildings, Cundall, ISG, Apteriors, Reds10 (UK), Kier Construction, Morgan Sindall Construction, Lawray Architects, Algeco, LocatED, Energys Group, Portakabin, Salix Finance, iAM Compliant, Bouygues, Fusion21, Rider Levett Bucknall, Gleeds and McAvoy. Attendees will be drawn to Astor Bannerman’s demo for SEN bathroom and hoists, and Solar Shield’s demo on exterior shading efficiency, as well as Zeco Energy, who will be focussing on net zero operations. The exhibition is always evolving, and this year many will be taking part in the EduFringe programme, a series of events that will boost the attendees’ experience and give exhibitors the chance to place their latest brands in the spotlight. Highlights include the Opening Party, Exhibitor Networking Lunch, the EduBar Happy Hour and coffee throughout the event, curtesy of Brookhouse. The Awards Dinner is always a sell-out event, where the education sector celebrates excellence and achievement, and attendees can network in a more informal setting. Education Estates® is supported by the Royal Institute of British Architects, The Trust Network, The Chartered Institute of Building, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, LocatED, University Design Forum and the Modular and Portable Buildings Association. Sponsor Partners are Atkins, ArcadisRéalis, Energys Group, Galliford Try, iAM Compliant and TG Escapes Modular eco-buildings. Education Estates® takes place on 1718 October 2023 at Manchester Central. The exhibition is free for all to attend. Attendance at the conference is free for those directly employed in schools, colleges, universities, government and local authorities. A fee applies for private sector delegates. For more information or to register your place, please go to www.educationestates.com Event Partner Education Estates® - Shaping the future of learning environments 17-18 October 2023 | Manchester Central
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highereducationestates 19 THE extent of RAAC discovered in Britain’s universities is a real concern. Cheeseparing in the public realm from government we expect; but for at least 15 universities to skimp on maintaining buildings with RAAC properly is surprising, even alarming. Granted RAAC can be hard to detect, let alone examine if it is safe. But there have been warnings about the problems of RAAC for over 30 years. In the 1990s, for example, concerns were raised relating to structural deficiencies in RAAC by both the Building Research Establishment and SCOSS (the Standing Committee on Structural Safety, operated by the ICE, the ISE and the HSE). In December 2018, the Department for Education and the Local Government Association made building owners aware of a recent building component failure in a property constructed using RAAC. In May 2019, SCOSS raised an alert to emphasise the potential risks from such construction, highlighting the failure of a RAAC panel roof construction within an operational school. This collapse was sudden, with no apparent warning signs. In September 2022, the Office of Government Property sent a Safety Briefing Notice to all property leaders, regarding the dangers of RAAC, stating that “RAAC is now life-expired and liable to collapse”. All these communications should surely have alerted university estates managers to the need for greater scrutiny of their buildings that were constructed in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Especially as it was well known that RAAC had a lifespan of only 30 years, and less if it suffered water ingress. Hopefully remediation can be speedily implemented, and lessons learnt. On a happier note, the need for post-occupation studies has been a constant theme in the built environment since time immemorial, but to date very few studies have been conducted or shared. So hats off to Hudson Architects who have contributed to this issue a fascinating examination of their work for Norwich University of the Arts. More of these studies please. Editor Andrew Pring Sales director Julian Walter Production Nicola Cann Design Sandra Cid Managing director Toby Filby The publishers do not necessarily agree with views expressed by contributors and cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers and authors, nor do they accept any responsibility for any errors in the subject matter of this publication. Publishers Stable Publishing Limited, SBC House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AH, England. t. 020 8288 1080 f. 020 8288 1099 e. [email protected] leader and content The examiners fail to satisfy Andrew Pring Editor [email protected] inside this issue S/Oct 2023 23 Post-occupational review Hudson Architects revisit their work of nearly two years ago for Norwich University of the Arts. 26 Design solutions Fostering community across a thriving campus. 29 Flooring Contemporary designs in student accommodation. 32 Tiling How to instal porcelain wall and floor tiles in a modern atrium and washrooms. 26 29
Warwick’s Faculty of Arts Building shortlisted for Stirling Prize THE University of Warwick’s Faculty of Arts Building is one of the six projects shortlisted for the 2023 Stirling Prize for Building of the Year. The winner will be announced on October 19. Architect for the scheme, which was completed in late 2021, was Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and the main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland. Keith Bradley, Founding Partner of FCBS, said: “Being shortlisted for the Stirling Prize is very special as an acknowledgement of our work with Warwick University as well as with the wider consultant and contractor team on the Faculty of Arts Building. “What we have created together is a place that students, academics and other staff want to be - facilitating interactive learning and research in a set of ‘live’ physical spaces - having returned from the digital world that dominated in the Covid years. Warwick Faculty of Arts is a place that connects its people and the wider natural landscape setting. Essential requirements for wellbeing that makes Architecture a Social and Environmental Art." Nestled within the landscaped campus of the University of Warwick, The Faculty of Arts building unites the Arts and Humanities Faculties, and has become the cultural focus of the university. It is composed of four light-filled pavilions set around a grand central stair, with each pavilion housing teaching spaces, offices and academic clusters. In place of a traditional atrium at ground level, a sculptural wooden stair spirals around a series of spaces for use as studios, exhibition and event spaces. The RIBA judging panel said: “The impressive new Faculty of Arts building for the University of Warwick brings together the departments and schools of the faculty under a single roof for the first time. It is evident that this simple mission became the driving principle behind the entire scheme, to create a vehicle for collaboration and cross-pollination of the arts, whilst drawing inspiration from the site’s unique parkland context. Here the architects have woven these two agendas into one cohesive design concept that has been executed with skill and craft.” Among other firms working on the project were MCW Architects Services, Buro Happold, Nagan Johnson, Montresor Partnership, ARUP, Derry Building Services and LUC. MORGAN Sindall Construction’s North West team has started building the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) new Veterinary School. The contractor has collaborated with its supply chain partners to embrace innovative Modern Methods of Construction, notably the use of delta beams within the new build structural frame. This solution will significantly reduce embodied carbon within the building and accelerate the project timeline to ensure the timely opening of the School. The four-storey building involves a partial refurbishment of a current building on UCLan’s Preston Campus. When complete, the nearly 50,000 sqft School will provide a state-ofthe-art centre of learning for students studying a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the veterinary and animal sciences. The new building, which is being built to universal accessibility standards to ensure that students with a range of learning needs are supported, will include several purpose-built training amenities, including high-specification anatomical skills laboratories, simulated operating theatres, diagnostic suites and pharmacies, microscopy labs, dental rooms and immersive teaching facilities. As part of the project, elements of the already existing Greenbank Building will be refurbished to include a dedicated area for kennels, the installation of new simulated consultation rooms and a physiotherapy suite. Incorporating the School’s strong ‘one health’ ethos and integration of sustainability goals, the new development aims to qualify for a BREEAM Excellent rating. The project aims to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Construction starts on UCLan’s state-ofthe-art vets school 20 highereducationestates News
City Campus Gloucester on track WORK is progressing well on the University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus development in the centre of Gloucester. The external facades of the building are now taking shape with new windows installed on all elevations. Many of the windows have been supplied by Crittall Windows – the same company that fitted the original windows for the Bon Marche store in the 1930s that later became Debenhams. The new windows are close replicas of the originals, but double glazed for energy efficiency. Morgan Sindall Construction, which is carrying out the work, has faced significant challenges, not least the need to strip significant amounts of lead paint and to investigate archaeological remains as they are uncovered. This university aims to start operating from the building next summer, with teaching commencing at the start of the new academic year in September 2024. The School of Health and Social care will be the first occupants of the building, along with Gloucestershire County Council’s new Gloucester Library and the new Health and Wellbeing Centre – a partnership project between the university and One Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. University of Gloucestershire ViceChancellor, Stephen Marston, said: “This has been a challenging project, repurposing a complex and rather rundown old building to meet the University’s needs. But we can now begin to see what a transformation of the building it will be, with original Art Deco facades restored, a striking glass wall on Kings Square, and inside, a fantastic environment for students and staff. “We are now just a year away from realising the vision of creating an exceptional new teaching campus, bringing new life and vibrancy to the heart of our city, and giving a powerful boost with our partners to the regeneration of the historic centre.” FIFTEEN UK universities have closed or partially closed areas containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) since the Government’s warning in June about the potential dangers to structures built with the material. Lectures have had to move to other areas of campus, and some student accommodation has also been affected. In August, 82 universities responded to a BBC News request for information: 58 said they had no RAAC; 15 said they were affected; and nine were checking. Among those affected, RAAC has been found in eight University of Edinburgh buildings, including teaching, laboratory and office spaces. At the University of St Andrews two Students' Association venues have been closed, with work expected to last until next summer. At the University of Sussex, work has begun to replace roof panels containing Raac in five buildings, but all are structurally safe and no buildings are entirely closed. And at Brunel University London, three buildings have closed. The Government’s June warning was followed a more urgent communication on 31 August. In response to the heightened concerns, AUDE issued a statement saying: “RAAC concrete has been used most often in flat-roof areas, so it is difficult to access, maintain, survey and replace. The RAAC issue affects different universities in very different ways. Our oldest and our newest universities (built after 1996) are unlikely to have RAAC for instance. Understanding more about those university-specific plans is vital in being able to understand the scale of the issue, and also the likely costs and timescales of remedial works. “The change in priority level announced by the Government on 31 August has brought new urgency to a national situation. Universities will want to re-prioritise in the light of the Government’s action.” AUDE has asked its members for their initial estimate of the scale and complexity of the problem in their universities and will make public the results in due course. Universities take action to remediate RAAC buildings highereducationestates 21 News
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