The Poulson and Gentry Buildings at East Norfolk Sixth Form College were opened a year ago today by HRH, The Princess Royal. Both buildings were amongst a number which we designed and built for East Norfolk Sixth Form College over some years. We are all so proud about what we have achieved but have been too busy with other projects to continue with our blogging! So what better place to re-start a new year of blogging than where we left off? With the wonderful accolade of having some of our projects officially opened by HRH, The Princess Royal!
Several blocks of classrooms, labs and teaching facilities as well as a canteen were created within strict budgets and a short time-frame using a fast-track system to minimise disruption to the college and provide a very cost-effective solution. The Poulson building, named after Laurie Poulson, Principal of the college from 1999 to 2012, is a “hybrid” combination of steel and timber frame with insitu permanent shuttered concrete floor at first floor. It features passive stack ventilation and uses a combination of air source heat pump and gas-fired boiler to heat the building. The new building accommodates 11 laboratories together with prepatory rooms and 4 classrooms, all with supporting offices and staff rooms.
The Gentry Building maintains the design features of an earlier science block which we designed and built in 2003. It is a classroom block dedicated to English teaching and was named after Anita Gentry, also a former Principal of the college from 1987 – 2010. The college say ‘An investment of almost £5m has gone into these building projects which we believe represents excellent value for money.’
These energy-efficient buildings demonstrate that good design can be achieved within the strict budgets that are required by educational establishments today.
Contact us if you would like to talk to us about your project.
