Education building project client
In 2021, Streif UK worked on an education building project consisting of a new classroom block for Bexhill Academy in East Sussex. We teamed up with Pilbeam Construction (main contractor) and Evolution Architects on this offsite manufacturing and onsite installation project procured directly by the academy.
Education building project brief
Bexhill Academy, which has over 1400 students, needed a new two-storey classroom block to provide much-needed additional capacity.
This was Streif’s second project for the coeducational secondary school. In 2019, we worked with Evolution Architects on the successful delivery of a larger teaching block.
Education building project solution and process
Evolution Architects’ education building project design comprised a flat roofed annex with four teaching classrooms and additional accommodation over two levels.
Streif UK’s advanced closed timber panel system was chosen for its reliability, energy-efficiency and factory-precision quality. Our building system was used to create the internal and external walls, first floor, roof cassettes, external windows and doors.
The general layout, and factory-fitted Rationel Auraplus windows and doors, helped provide natural light as well as cross ventilation. The result was a sustainable yet stylish maximum comfort learning environment.
For the external finish, Forticrete Fairface blocks were selected to complement the existing adjacent buildings. These also added the extra strength and protection needed for a building located next to the Multi Use Games Area.
Pilbeam Construction was on site for seven months for this education building project and our lifting and installation part of the onsite construction took five weeks.
Educational building project key challenges
There was very restricted site access through the main playground at the rear of the school grounds. We could only use a small city crane due to the proximity of the existing buildings (see images).
And, although our building system was pre-programmed for delivery to minimise time on site, careful planning was needed for deliveries made on articulated trailers.
We carried out our works during the summer holidays to complete the education building project on programme. To mitigate health and safety risks, other major works were also limited to this quieter period.
This goes to show that projects with extremely limited access can still be delivered successfully with the Streif UK sustainable building system.
Education building project results
The education building project at Bexhill Academy was well received by the main contractor and the client.
Pilbeam Construction commented that this was:
“A fine example of how manufacturing offsite can save a massive amount of time on site and reduce the overall construction programme considerably”.
While Lisa Kapllani, Facilities Manager, Bexhill Academy said:
“We have worked with Streif on two projects and on both we have had very good experiences. Streif were upfront, clear and concise with information and deadlines.
Installation on both projects was on time and efficient.”
The Streif UK team was delighted to have helped overcome the site’s restricted access issues and deliver another sustainable, high-quality learning environment for this East Sussex school. Read more about our buildings for the education sector.
Contact us to discuss your own sustainable new build.
