Pix Brook Academy

The £24.6M project was completed in just 52 weeks and is the largest project and most complex Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) building we have worked on to date.

The new school building was built on an existing agricultural field and includes facilities such as an expansive sports hall, drama studio, activity studio and a main dining hall. Two outdoor multi-use game areas and three football pitches were included in the design.

To meet very tight design and construction timescales, we worked collaboratively with the design team and contractor to design the most appropriate form of construction. The ultimate solution included a hybrid of modern and traditional construction, resulting in significant savings to the programme.

Our involvement also included providing detailed analysis and design of the traditional steel frame superstructure areas, the ground bearing slabs and several different foundation solutions. Part of the superstructure was of modular design and we therefore coordinated all foundation and superstructure design with the modular manufacturer. We also provided most of the temporary works during construction.

Our team also designed all the below ground drainage and external works levels. Due to the ground conditions, infiltration methods were not possible for the surface water and therefore a restricted discharge was utilised. This required significant modelling to incorporate below ground attenuation.

Communication between the design teams was key, and allowed us to pull on our significant experience to deliver a structurally robust design solution for the client. Our careful resource planning and regular attendance of design meetings ensured we met the client’s deadlines, leading to the project being finished to schedule.