Project Description

When the Mathematics Department at Furze Platt Senior School calculated a shortfall in the ratio of classroom space to student numbers, MPH Building Systems provided the answer with a modular construction two storey teaching block

Entering the equation at an early key stage, MPH project designers drew up plans for a new modular building to provide:

  • 8 classrooms
  • storage areas
  • staff offices and workspaces
  • break-out areas
  • additional tuition space
  • WC washroom facilities

The turnkey building package also included:

  • foundation sub-structure and excavations
  • site services provision
  • above and below ground drainage works
  • external landscaping works

Working closely with the client, and in consultation with the local Planning Department, Building Control and client appointed building surveyors, plans were concentrated on the provision of large circulation areas, open light filled spaces and an appealing aesthetic appearance to dovetail with the existing school buildings.

Design features included a combined brick and insulated render system facade, an external glazed canopy to the main entrance area, automatically operated sliding entrance doors, integrated landscaping scheme and a detailed internal finishes and decoration scheme. A high performance mechanical and electrical system was designed and installed in conjunction with an exacting client specification.

The school timetable for completion was central to the success of the project. Work was scheduled to commence during the school summer shutdown but delays in Planning Department approval further increased the pressure as the focus remained on completion ahead of the new academic year in September.

As MPH took possession of the school site at the end of June to commence external works, production was underway off-site to manufacture the fast-track high performance specification modules. Operating as Main Contractor, MPH undertook all Health and Safety responsibilities for the project under CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, implemented by an experienced site management team.

Showcasing the advantages of fast-track modular construction, the new mathematics block was handed over for the end of the summer holiday period, opening on time and on budget – a great cause for celebration as Furze Platt Senior School celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary year!

“Having received a grant on appeal in May we were relying on MPH to deliver a new eight classroom teaching block by September. The classrooms had to be ready to use at the beginning of September and we are pleased to say that the MPH team not only delivered on time but also within budget. They were flexible to our ever-changing design plans and worked with us every step of the way always retaining a sense of humour! We are really pleased with the end result”