St Paul's Girls' School
Brook Green, Hammersmith
Where everything is possible, St Paul’s Girls’ School wanted to provide an inspiring space where the students could learn and flourish, in one the top independent school in England. We were appointed based on our wealth of experience delivering outstanding education projects. The building ethos was to retain the look of the existing main school building, combining it with the overall masterplan.
Our team’s history in the education sector, especially within London, meant we had the necessary knowledge to deliver its project within an occupied school. It was our top priority to ensure the safety of its staff and students throughout the whole duration.
KEY FACTS
Project: New Build
Sector: Education
Size: 15,000 sq ft
Programme: 65 weeks
Contract: JCT Traditional
TEAM
Architect: John McAsian & Partners
PM: MHBC
PQS: MHBC
Services: Atelier Ten
Structural: Allan Baxter Associates
Photography by Nick Guttridge
The Project
The new build of St Paul’s Girls’ School sixth form and humanities building, located at the rear of the school site, required our expertise and knowledge to deliver the scheme in a logistically challenging location. The new build project comprises of classrooms, offices, social spaces and a café within the building, and landscaping to the front and rear.
The project began with the demolition of tennis courts/playground area. We fixed a ground bearing concrete slab with a reinforced concrete frame and we installed a structural support frame system for the new Schüco window system over two floors. The state-of-the-art landscaping was designed by a Chelsea Flower Show artist, therefore it had to be delivered precisely to the specification as it was a hugely important aspect for the client.
Occupied Building
The project was undertaken during term time, while the school building was occupied. The safety of the students and staff was our top priority; therefore, communication was key. We worked closely with the school to eliminate any potential risks and coordinate works in the live school site to minimise disruption. All requirements of its safeguarding policy were met at all times.
Bespoke System
We had to overcome the close proximity of the building to the existing residential wall. During the design period we created a bespoke propping system required to support the existing boundary wall, as we could not risk any damage to the residential wall by attaching to it.
Keeping the School running was priority, we kept the pupils updated on our progress, including how the green roof was built.
Nick Cornish, 8build Divisional Director
