Fordway Centre

A new high quality AP School in Surrey uses the Streif system for super quick turnaround and excellent air tightness results. The new unit prioritises learning environments with direct external access, communal spaces and also offers extensive supplementary learning resource areas to facilitate 1-2-1 support. The design used the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) operational energy guidance to steer the concept and align with DfE,Net Zero Carbon in operation requirements.

The new Fordway Centre, built by Surrey County Council in conjunction with main contractor Morgan Sindall and architect Holmes Miller, addresses the increasing need for extra SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) places in schools across the county. The centre is designed to provide 24 places for vulnerable students on a short-stay pupil referral basis, offering a modern, inclusive, and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 11. The project involved the design and construction of a new building, providing high-quality, modern accommodation to facilitate the best learning environment. The facility includes group rooms, calm spaces, a large community kitchen and dining area, an activity room, staff areas, a playground, and a multi-use games area.

Streif UK’s Contribution:

Streif UK’s timber-framed panel system was used throughout the Fordway Centre. The Streif system is designed to be panelised rather than volumetric, offering greater flexibility of design, more usable space within buildings, and more efficient transportation, leading to lower CO2 emissions. The Fordway Centre was constructed using Streif’s wall system, and achieved a very good air tightness result of 0.92 ACH m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa. This significantly contributed to ensuring consistent year-round comfort for pupils and teachers, unlike many school buildings that experience seasonal temperature extremes. Furthermore, Surrey County Council will benefit from greatly reduced energy bills due to the building’s exceptional energy efficiency.

Client and Partner Feedback:

Rumyana Odazhieva, Project Architect from Holmes Miller, commented, “It was great to work with Streif on this project, using their high quality system contributed to achieving the enhanced air tightness and u-values required, it also brought practical benefits, for the school, offering increased robustness and contributing to a positive learning environment.”

Project Details:

Location: Stanwell, Surrey
Main Contractor: Morgan Sindall
Architect: Holmes Miller
Building Type: Short Stay Pupil Referral Unit, 24 Pupil, 2 Storey, Brick Clad
Streif Achievement: Air tightness 0.92 ACH m³/h/m² @ 50 Pa

Construction Timeline: