Ashley Consultants were appointed by the HISP Academy Trust to address considerable poor condition and compliance breaches relating to windows and fire exit doors associated with the Infants Block. The original windows and exit doors, C1900’s were showing considerable signs of decay making safe operation impossible. Accident from unreliable operation or falling glazing was a continued threat and site security compromised. Poor thermal performance and lack of safe operation was also providing a poor learning environment and increased energy costs.

Following a comprehensive survey Ashley Consultants established the level of deterioration and the renovation works required to bring the facilities up to current standards, providing a robust solution while maintaining the original aesthetics in keeping with the building age.

The urgency of the works required dictated a single phase of works. To ensure the continued operation of the school with minimal disruption, works were carefully planned utilising holiday periods fully, and managing minimal works during term time with continued liaison between Contractor and Client.

Ashley Consultants conducted a full survey of the site, preparing a comprehensive technical design, Local Authority planning application, specification, and tender. Our specification addressed the replacement of original sash windows and fire exit doors, ensuring materials were suitable for the school environment, long term environmental sustainability, while visually maintaining the original character of the property.

In order to achieve funding Ashley Consultants prepared a Condition Improvement (CIF) Application securing over £230K in funding. Following successful application, full contract administration and project management have been provided, 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 holiday periods, minimally extending into term time where the management of works were carefully co-ordinated to ensure continued safe operation of the school.

The window replacement works consisted of the following main elements:

Following successful funding of this project, pupil and site safeguarding has been significantly improved with minimal disruption to School services during works.

In addition to the improved safety of pupils and staff the extent of the condition compliance works completed means that the general learning environment and occupant comfort at the school has been improved. All works have considered sustainability and energy savings, ensuring that considerable thermal improvements have been achieved throughout the building.