From late 2014, the skyline around the Harrow Weald campus of Harrow College has been filled with scaffolding and cranes as an exciting new campus building rises from the rubble of a busy construction site. The building is a brand new state of the art LLDD building (Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities). We met Alan Harman, Project Manager at Hutton's, the construction firm tasked with completing this much anticipated project to get an insider's view on what's happening.
For those who don't know about this project, what is it?
It's a 950m2 single story building which has been planned specifically to meet the needs of students with learning and difficulties and/or disabilities. Taking into account guidelines published by the Autistic Society, the building has been designed to provide a protective environment for the students, responding to and utilising the green nature of the site.
Who designed the building? How was the layout decided?
The building was designed by Architects IBI Taylor Young, Structural Engineers Alan Johnston Partnership and Services Engineers Waterman Building Services. The layout was set out by the designers following consultation with the team from Harrow College.
How were Hutton's selected to do the build?
Following initial shortlisting from a list of experienced design and build contractors, Hutton Construction won the project following a tender process competition based upon both the proposed cost and technical capability to deliver the new building to the required quality and within the programme period.
How long is the build project – when did you start and when will you finish?
The scheme will be on site for about 40 weeks from commencement on site during November 2014 ready for completion and occupation from September 2015.
How many staff are involved in the building project? Or how many man hours will have gone into the build?
There are many personnel involved on the site and off site as part of the supply chain. Possibly amounting to something in excess of 30,000 man hours.
What key features differentiate this from other college building?
Key features include include a centralised flexible learning zone and courtyard, sensory room, specialist classrooms and increased facilities specifically for LLDD students including a small kitchen and dining area to promote independent living.
How many students will it hold?
It will hold an estimated 200 students and staff.
Are there any energy saving / special features?
The new building will reflect the College's commitment to sustainability, being built to a very high environmental standard and incorporating many low carbon features including air source heat pump and photovoltaic cells on the roof of the building.
What about sustainability – have any sustainable / environmental friendly materials been used in the build?
Yes, the building will be clad with responsibly sourced western red cedar.
What have been the key challenges and how were they overcome.
Establishing the access haulage road within the very wet months of November and December using some 100m3 of recycled aggregate material. When constructing the new foundations, great care had to be taken to avoid the buried piles left over from the previously demolished building. Whilst the site is generally well segregated, there are also the challenges of working within a live educational environment including the management of all material and plant deliveries.
Image below showing how the building will look when it is completed:
The more information regarding new building projects at Harrow College, please click here.