Hookway has worked closely with the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells for many years to maintain their schools, one of which is Thurlbear CofE Primary School near Taunton.
We carried out a condition survey of the school which highlighted two of the modular buildings as structurally compromised and no longer safe to use. One of the units was beyond repair, the other we were able to repair and refurbish as a much needed SEN facility.
Refurbishing – a cost efficient and sustainable option
Refurbishing can be a cost effective and sustainable alternative to demolishing and rebuilding and our team is highly experienced in working on this type of project. We managed everything from start to finish including stripping the building back to basics, carrying out structural repairs, and replacing the floor coverings, windows and doors. We also replaced the roof covering, external cladding and all internal services.
Looking good – a highly successful outcome
As part of the project we adjusted the layout of the building to accommodate a therapy/changing room as well as a toilet suitable for students with physical disabilities. Removing the old store room opened up beautiful views over adjacent fields from the SEN classroom unit – which was a huge benefit. We also landscaped the site, laying down turf to create useful additional outdoor space.
Spotting opportunities, delivering greater value
Tom Bishop who led the project said, “We always aim to maximise the value schools get from projects we work on including looking for additional improvements that can be incorporated at minimal cost. We also think about the school’s future requirements to ensure a space can be repurposed to suit the client’s needs at a later date.”
“Our extensive experience allows us to spot opportunities, such as being able to apply for extra funding for certain elements of a project. We helped Thurlbear access additional funding to install energy-saving heating in the refurbished buildings. Their old gas heaters took up much needed space and weren’t particularly safe – especially in a timber framed and clad building. Instead we installed radiant panels in the ceiling, a cleaner and more sustainable system that heats the objects in the room rather than the whole space. Being keen to improve the efficiency of its buildings, the Diocese was delighted with this suggestion.”
