Bro Alun School Wrexham
Project Name :
Bro Alun School Wrexham
Industry :
Building and Construction
Location :
Ysgol Bro Alun, Gwersyllt
Duration :
6 months
Client :
Read Construction
Background
Bro Alun School in Wrexham embarked on an ambitious project to expand its educational facilities with a largescale extension. There was room for 120 extra pupils will be created at a Welsh-medium primary school in Wrexham after it was given the go-ahead to expand. Capacity at Ysgol Bro Alun in Gwersyllt went up by more than a third to 315, along with 45 nursery places. Two new classrooms plus storage areas, cloakrooms and toilets were funded by £1.3m of Welsh Government cash.
Wrexham’s lead member for education Councillor Phil Wynn said it was “a reflection of how well received the Welsh medium school has been by the community of Gwersyllt”. Wrexham council said it would help meet demand for Welsh language education.
Project Overview:
Bro Alun School in Wrexham embarked on an ambitious project to expand its educational facilities with a largescale extension. The extension was designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure, featuring new radiators, natural and extract ventilation systems, extended heating services, and upgraded water services. The project also included the installation of sanitaryware and the integration of a new sprinkler system with the existing one.
Historical Context:
Bro Alun School, with a rich history of nurturing young minds, sought to enhance its capacity and modernise its infrastructure to provide an improved learning environment. This extension project was a step towards fulfilling the school’s vision for the future.
Challenges Addressed
During the construction phase, it became evident that the consultants’ original drawings were flawed, necessitating a complete redesign and rerouting of the heating, water services, and sprinkler systems within the constrained space of the existing school’s ceiling void.
Innovative Solutions & Benefits:
Our team at Athertons demonstrated adaptability and expertise by redesigning the pipework routes and altering the ventilation pathways in the new extension to avoid interference with the building’s
steel supports. This proactive approach not only resolved the spatial conflicts but also resulted in cost savings and increased efficiencies, showcasing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions.
By overcoming these significant challenges, Athertons ensured that the Bro Alun School extension was completed with minimal disruption to the school’s ongoing activities, thereby upholding the institution’s legacy of excellence in education.
Sustainability and Safety
The school has been well designed to BREEAM Excellent standard, the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice is sustainable design and has become the industry standard used to describe a building’s environmental performance.
The site has separate pedestrian, vehicle and service access to improve safety and security. Each classroom has direct access to an external play and learning area. The classes are arranged in two single storey wings which also open out internally to an enlarged shared circulation area which houses a Resource Area for ICT and library facilities.
The Bro Alun School in Wrexham has set a benchmark in sustainable architecture by achieving the BREEAM Excellent standard, the preeminent environmental assessment method for buildings. This certification underscores the school’s commitment to best practices in sustainable design and underscores its status as a paragon of environmental performance in the educational sector.
Design Features:
•Safety and Security: The school’s layout has been meticulously planned to include separate access points for pedestrians, vehicles, and services, enhancing the overall safety and security of the premises.
•Outdoor Learning Spaces: Each classroom boasts direct access to dedicated outdoor play and learning areas, fostering an interactive and engaging educational experience for students.
•Resourceful Layout: The classrooms are strategically arranged in two single-storey wings. These wings not only provide easy access to the outdoors but also converge on a spacious shared circulation area. This central hub serves as a versatile Resource Area, equipped with state-of-the-art ICT and extensive library facilities, facilitating a collaborative and resource-rich learning environment.
Sustainable Practices:
The extension’s design aligns with the school’s vision of sustainability and educational excellence. By adhering to the BREEAM Excellent standards, the project exemplifies how educational institutions can lead the way in eco-friendly construction and design, setting a precedent for future developments. The extension is a testament to the partnership between Athertons and Read Construction in the ability to deliver projects that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also environmentally responsible.
Client feedback
Very happy with the job and received email from site manager Lee Bell at the end of the project.
Testimonial:
Gents,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and hard work to get the Bro Alun school extension not only complete but to a very high standard under difficult circumstances. We have had great feedback from the client, School as well as our head office.
Your expertise and dedication may be sometimes be taken for granted after years of working together but be assured, it is well appreciated, I look forward to working with you again very soon.
Please pass my appreciation on to your operatives after all they are the ones on the front line!
FYI Some of the completion photographs can be viewed on Read Construction Facebook Page.
Lee Bell, Site Manager, Read Construction