Stanhope Primary School in Aldershot, Hampshire, is a 2FE (two-form entry) primary school designed to accommodate 420 pupils across two storeys. The school's opening in September 2025 addresses the significant demand for additional school places, driven by the development of 3,850 new dwellings in Wellesley, Aldershot.

The project was initiated by Hampshire County Council, with Morgan Sindall serving as the main contractor and Hampshire County Council Architecture providing architectural design, who specified that the Streif system should be used on the project.

Streif’s Contribution and the Benefits of the Timber System:

Streif played a crucial role in the construction of Stanhope Primary School, providing a highly efficient and high-quality timber system that formed the main framework of the school layout. Streif began working on the project in October 2024, with handover of their system only 5 months later in February 2025 and enabling the main contractor to complete the project for the July 2025 handover. The school, spanning 2,235m², also features a brick-clad exterior and Accoya canopies.

How Streif Achieved Results:
Streif’s approach involved the production of large-format, high-value, prefabricated floor, roof, and wall components. These components incorporated factory-fitted sub-assemblies such as windows and doors, which efficiently built into the 3D spaces and created the required platform solutions. This advanced prefabrication method offered significant benefits:

  • Exceptional Quality Control: Quality was maintained through full 3D CAD CAM design, ensuring precision and accuracy. The use of the latest industrial woodworking and production table technology, combined with a skilled labour force, further contributed to a high standard of construction. Rigorous third-party auditing provided an additional layer of quality assurance.
  • Speed and Efficiency: The prefabrication of large components off-site streamlined the on-site construction process. This accelerated the build timeline, allowing for a quicker enclosure of the building and facilitating earlier follow-on trades.
  • Reduced On-Site Labour and Disruption: By completing a significant portion of the construction in a controlled factory environment, the need for extensive on-site labour was reduced, leading to less disruption at the school site and surrounding areas.
  • Sustainable Construction: Timber, as a renewable resource, offers inherent environmental benefits. The precision manufacturing process also typically leads to less material waste.

Results Achieved:

The application of the Streif timber system allowed for the rapid and high-quality construction of Stanhope Primary School, crucial for meeting the tight deadlines associated with new housing developments. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of modern off-site construction methods in delivering essential community infrastructure efficiently. The school is due to open in September 2025, providing 420 much-needed primary school places.