Education establishment: Restoration & refurbishment
Restoration & refurbishment of chilton bridge
Chilton Bridge, a former residential school within substantial grounds, required extensive refurbishment to meet educational standards and reopen as a facility for students with social, emotional, mental health and associated conditions.
The site comprises several buildings of varying ages and construction quality, including a grade II listed house and stable block.
the delivery of Phases 1a & 1b
The majority of work was based around bringing the decorations and functional elements of the buildings up to date; however, the complex process of achieving a compliant and functional facility has included:
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) and remedial works to meet current regulations
- Installation of window restrictors and safety lamination (shatter protection) to all glazing
- Compliance works to toilet & welfare facilities
- Central heating and legionella protection
- Boxing of exposed pipework
Across the three main buildings undergoing refurbishment in the first phase, a number of kitchenettes were installed, alongside extensive M&E replacement, including emergency lighting to comply with regulations and modernise the facility with additional power points and spurs for the later installation of access control points.
Emphasis from the client was on creating a comfortable and welcoming “home-from-home” environment that doesn’t feel strictly educational.
Making use of contractors based near the site has been key to maintaining performance, controlling costs and providing local economic benefit. TCi’s rigorous contractor onboarding process and supply chain management ensured the smooth delivery of scaffolding, roofing, M&E, decorations, fencing, landscaping and temporary road works.
The project was constantly evolving as inspections continued to raise new requirements. For example, extra protection services such as external gas pipework. TCi’s site team remained reactive and flexible to ensure each new element could be achieved within the programme.
completion and handover
Ensuring the health & safety, and welfare of pupils and staff to OFSTED requirements, within a building of this age, presented a variety of challenges. Collaborating with the client, TCi proposed a range of solutions, identifying methods to refurbish some of the existing doors and frames, which minimised the number of new doors and frames required. Using safety film on glazing and window restrictors ensures the building is safe and suitable for occupants.
The site team were responsive to additional requests, centred around making good and providing extra protective features, such as containment cages on air-conditioning, pipes and outside taps.
A boiler replacement was added to the programme during the course of the works. To minimise disruption and safety risk to pupils and staff, the live work was arranged to be delivered outside of term time and incorporated effectively into the schedule.
Throughout the delivery, it was vital to liaise with client-appointed contractors to handover particular packages, including access controls and soft furnishings.
The former Stables, Riverside and Gym buildings were handed over successfully for opening in September 2022, complete with commissioning of services and full certification to enable occupation and accommodation for the start of the academic year.
The delivery of phase 2
THE MAIN HOUSE
TCi carried out sympathetic repairs and restoration to the main house, whilst being responsive to developing architectural requirements and new information as more of the structure was revealed by works.
THE Stable boundary wall
Remedial repairs to the listed stable boundary wall were sequentially programmed to take place during the school holidays, incorporating long lead times for the procurement of bespoke coping stones, carved from the original quarry source.
the chimneys
Due to their age, the chimneys in particular required restoration; however, the same exact type of stone had to be used.
The chimneys at Chilton School are made of a very rare type of stone called white lias, which is a very fine-grained form of hard limestone that was formed in the late Triassic period, making it over 205 million years old!
Sourcing such vast sizes and quantities of this rare stone proved to be a tough challenge, but the stone was sourced from a local White Lias specialist quarry – AR Purnell ltd Quarry.
THE ROOF
Following the design and erection of a full scaffolding envelope to wrap the entirety of the Grade II listed main house, detailed surveys were undertaken to assess the 14 roof sections, 10 chimneys and bespoke dormer windows covered by the listing.
At all times, the team remained mindful of the direction of the conservation officer and historic architectural features, including detailed lead work and timber and stone finials handmade by specialist stonemasons and carpenters. All refurbishments undertaken were compliant with building regulations.
our impact before & after
THE Science block
Accommodating the school’s needs, the specific layout of the building works to the science block was prioritised to ensure the safety of pupils and staff members for readiness by the end of holidays as a critical path on the programme. Phase 2 was completed in a live environment with students on site; to accommodate this, Ofsted standards were always maintained, and DBS checks were completed on all operatives and TCi employees on site, enabling works to move freely.
These incorporated;
• Decommissioning and recommissioning of water, gas, and electrical supply
• Removal of existing equipment
• Making good to provide repurposed classroom space
COMMONWEALTH GAMES CONSTRUCTION SITE
Internal renovations & restorations
Subsequent works within the main site containment included upgrades to M&E and internal decorations, refurbishment of listed crittal windows and original doors, along with a new commercial kitchen facility and dining area.
Restorations took place to the timber flooring, Jacobean staircase and panelling whilst also completing essential repairs, all using traditional construction methods and materials fitting to the Grade II listed building.
Value engineering
At every stage, TCi seeks opportunities to improve outcomes for the client. In the current economic climate, this usually presents as the mitigation of rising costs of work, such as the chimney restoration. When negotiating, TCi was able to break down the component materials and processes and agree favourable rates which allowed the budget to be held.
Attention to detail was critical in identifying potential clashes and ensuring compliance with the listed building consent order.
Throughout the highly responsive to wider school needs responding quickly and efficiently new priorities emerged ensuring minimal disruption to the school and students.
Extensive negotiations with all relevant parties to ensure appropriate materials were utilised to ensure compliance with listed building requirements and authenticity of work.
