THE PROJECT
The building features a distinctive star shaped design, encompassing ground, first and second floors. A notable feature is the intricate modification of the central core. It is flanked by four classroom wings, which will house the chemistry and outreach laboratories. These wings underwent soft stripping and fit outs.
Each classroom wing consists of a ground and first floor, while the central core contains multiple levels. However, these levels did not align with the classroom floors above, making access challenging with today’s standards. Therefore, the renovation process includes the selective removal of parts within the central core to improve functionality and accessibility.
The core central space bestows an impressive diamond shaped tiered seating overlooking the ground floor area.
Anchored Steel Frame and finishes
In this construction, the new steel framework is secured to columns. Unlike typical structures where the steel frame is grounded onto the foundation, this building’s design depends on the anchors to support and suspend the steel frame. Essentially, the frame is not resting on the ground but is instead hanging from the anchored points. The concrete structure has been prepared and redecorated.
The concrete structure has been prepared and redecorated. New structural elements have been cased and dry-lined, with new plasterboard and acoustic partitions installed in selected areas, primarily on Level 1. The building features new Crittall metal windows, concrete repairs to the external walls, and redecoration. A spiral staircase forms a central feature, complemented by new parquet flooring throughout the central core areas. Acoustic panelling has been installed across the entire building, with new wall panelling in isolated central areas and oak-slatted acoustic walls within the central core. Concrete repairs to the external walls, beams and columns have also been undertaken, including the removal of the asbestos bitumen strip in advance of these works.
£10M
CONTRACT VALUE
86 WEEKS
CONTRACT DURATION
Customer
Marlborough College
Architect
Allies and Morrison
Quantity Surveyor
Michael Edwards Consultants
Form of Contract
Design & Build
Single Stage
Live College Campus
The project was successfully executed on an active college campus, situated adjacent to the primary entry used by visitors, students, and faculty. To maintain safety, designated segregation zones, pathways, and protective fencing were established. Additionally, delivery schedules were meticulously synchronised with the college’s operations to minimise disruption, with works carefully planned and adjusted to align with the college’s timetable, sometimes down to the hour, as noisier activities were only permitted in specific locations at designated times.
Structural challenges, cutting and carving , temporary works.
The Newton Building is composed of three distinct sections: the classroom wings to the south and north, and the central core. Each section stands independently, separated by a movement joint that encircles the entire structure. The removal of significant structural elements, such as slabs and beams, poses a challenge. These components provide lateral support to the columns, preventing them from buckling under vertical pressure. Without
these beams, there’s an increased risk of buckling.
To mitigate this, the project’s temporary works strategy involves connecting the central core to the classroom wings. This is achieved by placing anchors at strategic points between the core and the classroom columns. Since the classroom floor slabs remain intact, they continue to offer lateral support to the central core. Additionally, push pull props have been installed at the ground level as a precautionary measure, ensuring stability during the renovation. Building movement is monitored daily with tell tales.
