Project Overview

Kent County Council’s new teaching block is a 2,050m², 3.5-storey education facility designed to expand learning provision while incorporating a unique WW2 Visitor Centre. Built over existing air raid shelters and adjacent to a mainline railway embankment, the project presented significant technical challenges alongside ambitious sustainability goals.
Procured via the Kent Construction Framework under an NEC4 Option A contract, Baxall Construction delivered the scheme with architectural design by Miller Bourne. The building was completed in December 2025 and opened in January 2026.

Streif’s Role

Streif provided the structural timber system forming the primary building envelope. Works commenced in April 2025, with system handover achieved in July 2025, supporting the overall construction programme. The building incorporates brick slip cladding and roof-mounted solar panels to enhance durability and environmental performance.

Approach

Using advanced off-site manufacturing, Streif produced large-format prefabricated wall, floor, and roof elements. These were delivered to site ready for rapid assembly, enabling efficient construction despite the complexities of building فوق historic tunnels and within a constrained rail-side location.

Key Benefits

  • Programme Efficiency: Accelerated build through off-site prefabrication and rapid installation
  • Quality Assurance: High precision achieved through 3D CAD CAM design and controlled factory production
  • Reduced Site Impact: Minimised on-site labour and disruption in a logistically sensitive environment
  • Sustainability: Renewable timber system, reduced waste, and integration of solar technology

Outcome

The project successfully delivered a modern Science, Music, and History block, including five classrooms, five science labs, music facilities, and dedicated storage areas. The addition of a WW2 Visitor Centre creates a valuable community asset, linking education with local heritage.

This case study highlights the effectiveness of off-site timber construction in delivering complex, sustainable education buildings to tight programmes.