Kent Structures is the most trustworthy and reliable building contractor we have ever worked with. They are competitive on price .. then deliver projects at the agreed cost (which is important for us). They are excellent at communication and are safe, reliable and honest. To me they epitomise ‘professionlism and integrity’.
The Kent Structures team demolished existing buildings to make way for a school canteen building expanded to treble its original size. The enlarged dining hall allows for extra pupil capacity as well as providing a venue for celebration events.
The construction is steel and timber frame structure with curtain walling.
Enhanced sustainability measures include passive ventilation, use of existing structure minimising further material impact on the environment and associated costs. The building has been insulated in excess of regulation requirements to provide future energy savings.
Post-planning re-design and value engineering enabled Kent Structures to deliver substantial cost savings for the client.
The work was carried out alongside the construction of a new sports hall with a four-court facility. Both projects are part of phased development works necessary to meet the projected pupil intake increasing from 2024 onwards.
Resolving Project Challenges
Construction of the extension whilst the existing canteen remained in service presented some clear challenges which we were able to overcome. This included avoiding noisy and potentially disruptive building work during ‘quiet’ exam periods.
As works were in close proximity to front of school, carefully managed co-ordination of footfall both within the site boundary and around the school entrance was also required.
Planning and updating of the fire escape routes throughout the build process whilst considering the school’s safe-guarding policies.
Image credits: Kent Structures