Project Description

Theo Paphitis, a doyen of the BBC’s popular Dragons’ Den show, made it his business to unveil the new classrooms at Weston Green school in a project that showcased MPH’s proficiency in the education sector.

Set the assignment of overcoming a shortfall in Key Stage 2 provision, the brief centred around three key objectives; to provide four classrooms and one specialist subject teaching area; to meet a deadline for completion through the school holidays; to develop a single storey building designed to complement the existing architecture.

MPH did their homework, surveying a challenging access route to the site and revising project specific plans for manufacture commensurate with a fast-track install. This was a job that was ideal for offsite construction but providing the modular buildings is just one part of the wider responsibilities when working in partnership with schools. The need for versatility is essential and Susan Withers, the school’s business and operations manager, alluded to the demanding nature of the project in her appraisal of MPH, who were appointed principal contractor in a full turnkey package:

“Even at the tender stage, I knew that MPH were the contractors I would want to work with. In an industry where it’s easy to have objections and excuses, MPH provided solutions to what was going to be a difficult build due to locations and timescales. All employees were polite and considerate of the needs of both the school and our neighbours and despite unseen groundworks issues, still managed to complete a week early.”

MPH commenced work during Weston Green’s summer shutdown, mindful of the foremost requirement to implement site segregation given that a summer school was operating. A temporary Trakway system was installed to protect an existing astro turf surface during the construction phase, whilst boundary fencing was erected to establish site demarcation.

Studying the design closely, MPH provided a fast-track answer delivering practical and aesthetic merits. The new modular building incorporated a mono-pitch roof, cedar cladding and clear storey glazing, all of which were meticulously selected to ensure compatibility with the adjacent buildings and effect minimal impact on surroundings. In addition, electric roof lights were installed to provide natural illumination and ventilation.

Mrs Withers was delighted with the new facilities, which are now utilised by pupils in Years 3 and 6:

“The building is amazing and enjoyed by staff and students. Parents were amazed that such a high-quality project could be completed in the summer holidays. I would have no hesitation in working with MPH again.”

The Weston Green project again exhibited MPH’s ability to deliver on a tight schedule without sacrificing any of the company’s high standards. All that was left was for Mr Paphitis to offer his approval by cutting the ribbon at the grand opening!