Client:

Ignis Academy Trust

Location:

Belvedere, Kent

Solution:

Structural fire resistance both internally and externally, early fire detection and warning, safe means of escape and full fire compartmentation.

The Brief / Challenge

Ashley Consultants were appointed by the Ignis Trust to address considerable building fire compliance breaches at the shared Bedonwell Infants and Nursery and Junior School site. The schools share a large 1930’s original timber clad building which, following full condition survey and Fire Risk Assessment were confirmed to offer little fire resistance both internally and externally, with inadequate fire detection and general fire compartmentation compromising escape.

The extensive works required to bring these schools up to a compliant standard has meant that phasing of the works has been necessary. This has been put in place to ensure the continued operation of the schools with minimal disruption, utilising holiday periods fully, and managing works during term time with continued liaison between Contractor and Client.

Bedonwell-School-2
Bedonwell-School-1
Bedonwell-4

The Solution

Ashley Consultants conducted a full survey of the site, preparing a comprehensive technical design, Local Authority planning application, specification, and tender.  Our specification addressed structural fire resistance both internally and externally as well as providing early fire detection and warning, safe means of escape and full fire compartmentation.

In order to achieve funding Ashley Consultants successfully prepared Condition Improvement (CIF) Applications for each phase, securing over £3.1 million of funding to date. Following successful funding applications, full contract administration and project management have been provided for each phase of works; with Ashley Consultants liaising between all parties including weekly site visits to ensure site safety and efficiency of programme. Works were completed to take advantage of the summer holiday periods, extending into term time where the management of works were carefully co-ordinated to ensure continued safe operation of the school.

Works consisted of:

  • Refurbishment of external walls to upgrade fire resistance and thermal performance, replacing timber cladding with new fire rated Trespa panels and fire rated insulation

  • Complete internal refurbishment, achieving 1 hour fire resistance of the structure and upgrading the thermal performance. Installation of fire rated suspended ceilings and associated energy efficient LED lighting

  • L3 compliant fire alarm and emergency lighting system adaptions

  • General fire compartmentation achieved with replacement of non-compliant fire doors, glazing and screens

  • All associated M&E works including fire alarm, emergency lighting, small power, heating & lighting. Complete re-wire of all areas, new distribution boards along with major works to the existing heating system

The Result

Following successful funding for the final phases of this project, the school buildings are now complete with full building fire compliance achieved.

In addition to the safety of pupils, staff and visitors being secured, the extent of the fire compliance works completed means that the general learning environment and occupant comfort at the school has been improved. The thermal improvements to the structure both internally and externally have also significantly decreased the energy consumption of the building.

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