Homefield College is a community-based independent specialist college that focusses on providing education, training, care, support, independent living, practical experience and life lessons to people aged 16+ who have a learning disability and/or difficulty, with particular emphasis on people on the Autistic Spectrum and people with communication difficulties.
Inclusive Design - many of the students have hearing/visual/mobility issues, the building incorporated an accessible platform lift, 3 accessible toilets, an accessible wet room, heating and cooling sensitive to changes in temperature, Darley lighting controls with 5 settings to accommodate students with light sensitivity.
Residential Area - the site is located in a busy high street including residential, retail and commercial neighbours on all sides. Management of the site required a considerate approach, regular community liaison and communication with neighbouring residents, a robust traffic management plan and robust noise and dust controls. The client received zero complaints during the project.
Constrained Site - the site had minimal space for site set up and careful management of deliveries was required.
Complex Demolition/Structural Alterations/Temporary Works - careful deconstruction to remove the roof was required along with temporary propping works to retain the remaining walls and façade. Additional brick courses and structural steels were introduced to accommodate an additional floor, before installing a traditional hand cut roof incorporating 18 Velux rooflights.
Sustainability a Key Driver including Solar PV panels plus battery storage, extensive thermal upgrade of the building fabric, 100% electric panel heaters (zero gas), sustainable timber studs, dual EV Charging, permeable driveway, eco flush buttons and tap sensors.
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