STATE OF THE ART STAFFROOM AT COULSDON COLLEGE

Ash Technical Services were appointed to carry out the internal reconfiguration of six classrooms and offices into a new open-plan staff room and a separate meeting room.

The works included:

• Construction of new partition walls and maple-finish fire doors to provide new access from an adjoining corridor.

• Installation of an acoustic suspended ceiling with a perimeter bulkhead complete with smart lighting LED panels, with passive infrared (PIR) movement sensors to help reduce energy usage when not in use.

• Laying of hardwearing carpet tiles. These included a feature section of green vinyl denoting the new kitchenette area.

• Installation of integrated appliances and a breakfast bar in the kitchenette (with power points for break-time browsing).

• Adaptations to the existing heating, mains water supply, hot water supply and waste pipes to accommodate the kitchenette.

• Reconfiguration and recommissioning of the existing building management systems and fresh air vent controls to suit the new layout.

The primary technical challenge centred on extending plumbing and electrical services to the new kitchenette area. The closest suitable connections were located within a finished area of the college, which meant the required work had to be carried out with minimal disruption.

The college tendered the project just before the summer break. They wanted it completed in a six-week timeframe before the start of the new term. This created tight deadlines, meaning that the Phase One strip-out works needed to be costed, planned, and mobilised within two weeks.

We developed a detailed work programme to boost construction process efficiency, ensure we met the contracted completion date and provide our team with clear direction. This allowed materials to be delivered sequentially to maximise internal workspace and help us maintain a clean, tidy site.

Where required, the works were undertaken out of hours to avoid disruption to the rest of the college.

We worked closely with both the college and Fusion Project Management to ensure clear communication channels were established. We issued regular project reports and held onsite meetings to keep them abreast of progress.

The works ran very smoothly from start to finish. And we enjoyed working collaboratively with the client and Fusion PM on this very satisfying fit-out project.

We tendered, planned and delivered the initial strip-out within four weeks of the project start, which generated an extra two weeks for the internal fit-out. We then completed and delivered the fit-out a week early, which gave the client extra time to install the furniture.

The client and project managers welcomed our proactive and problem-solving approach to both the strip-out and internal fit-out tasks. And were reassured that our structured work programme and constructive technical advice would enable us to manage the project effectively.

The project has delivered significant benefits for the college. Our client now has:

• A comfortable, multifunctional, fun staff room that has been a real hit with both teachers and visitors.

• A new professional and social hub for colleagues to meet, refuel and socialise.

• A dedicated space to host private meetings, staff meetings, and CPD presentations.

• Staff facilities which match the quality of the teaching facilities, which will boost staff morale and facilitate higher levels of employee engagement.