Gartree High School

Requirement

Before obtaining their new building, all Gartree’s classes took place within one large, distinctive building. Due to the school’s expanding student role and the timescales involved, the client settled on a modular solution for a new classroom block. Modular buildings in neighbouring schools helped to demonstrate the speed and aesthetics achievable with this building method.
It was vital to the client that the new addition matched the look and feel of the existing building, with green, metal window surrounds and brick cladding. Inside the new building would be four classrooms: two science classrooms and two ‘all-purpose’ rooms.

Solution

During the procurement process, Wernick’s designs were the closest match to the school’s brief – as the client explained “they looked like Gartree”. Wernick Buildings supplied a 2-storey, 414 m² block within the school’s budget – in fact, Wernick quoted below budget which allowed the client to request additional features, such as reinforced flooring, triple glazing and PIR lighting. Attention to detail continues to delight – the Deputy Headteacher praised Wernick for unexpectedly bringing elements of the existing building into the new block.
Teachers find the new building very comfortable – air conditioning throughout ensures a consistent temperature year-round. Rooms are also more spacious in the modular building, and the triple glazing creates a peaceful environment – ideal for pupils sitting exams.
Wernick’s dedicated Construction division managed the project from start to finish and a dedicated Project Manager attended site every day – a “major selling point” for the client.