VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver new ‘Academic Hub’ for The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded a £17 million contract to construct two new teaching accommodation buildings at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School in Hertfordshire. Construction began in January and is due to complete in April 2022.
The new standalone Maths and Economics building will span two storeys and feature classroom accommodation and departmental offices, built around a central corridor. Each classroom will be fitted with student lockers and a ‘teaching wall’, incorporating an 84-inch screen, whiteboard and storage space.
The English and Modern Foreign Languages building will consist of three storeys, also incorporating classroom and office space, as well as a new reception area, clad in Bath Natural Ashlar stone. The team will also construct a drama studio, capable of seating 100 people and providing a creative space for students to learn, rehearse and perform.
Both buildings will consist of reinforced concrete frames, supported by CFA piled foundations, delivered by fellow VolkerWessels UK business unit, VolkerGround Engineering. The team will install brick cladding to the buildings’ exteriors, along with aluminium windows and zinc clad pitched roofing.
Care has been taken during the design phase, to ensure that the buildings’ interior aesthetic remains consistent with that of the existing school. Corridors and internal doors will predominantly feature oak glazing and the corridor ceilings will be oak timber, 50 per cent of which will be removable, allowing access to mechanical systems within the ceiling void.
Throughout the project, the team will be supporting the local community by working with Hertfordshire based suppliers and subcontractors, as well as using local businesses for on-site amenities.
Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division, said: “I am delighted that VolkerFitzpatrick has been chosen to deliver these significant new facilities for Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School. These impressive buildings will provide a well-designed, stimulating, practical and versatile space for the students and teachers to enjoy.”
Michael Lewis, director of operations for Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to work with VolkerFitzpatrick on this truly historic new addition to the Boys’ School. Their planning, site management and understanding of working in a school environment is exceptional.”
Images courtesy of NVB Architects