King Edward VI Five Ways School

Project Description

12M x 7.2M Classroom block with classroom, offices, storage and changing facilities

Client Details

King Edward VI Five Ways is a co-educational state grammar school for ages 11–18, located in Birmingham, West Midlands. They appointed TRU Contacts Limited to manage this modular classroom project who turned to GCS Modular to produce the building.

TRU Contracts Limited were established in 2008 with one mission in mind, to simplify & remove the heavy archaic processes in construction by leading the project from concept to completion.

Project Management is at their very core, they employ in-house experts in variety of fields including an Interior Architecture department to produce 2D, 3D visual walkthroughs for all projects. They invest considerable time to listen and understand their client’s business to ensure they create a space that not only compliments the workplace but additionally demonstrates the value the building will deliver to both your Company and their employee’s.

Overview

The project was handled by Nick Gamston who first approached GCS for an indication of cost. The specification of the building wasn’t finally decided but we were able to quote an average price per square metre which proved competitive. We then organised a site visit to firm up our quotation conscious of the need to move quickly given the tight and strict timescale in place. The project included the removal of an existing building to create the space for the new GCS building. The new building was to form part of their outdoor education and consisted of a classroom, office space, storage and changing rooms.

Key Issues

As with all Education establishments the safety of pupils is paramount, this dictates that where possible all activity, and certainly installation is scheduled for school holidays, in this case we had the benefit of the longer summer holidays – however this period was needed and there was still a question mark over the ability to achieve this deadline as every element of the project need to be on time – there was no wiggle room available! The old building needed demolition and removal before the new foundations could be laid. We then identified a potential obstacle was posed with the presence of onsite ornamental pillars that could cause difficulties on installation day. The chosen site was also compromised by the proximity of large tree branches along with a disused telephone line all of which needed removal.

What GCS Did

Worked with the main contractor to ensure the tight deadlines could be met. Visited the site to help identify the obstacles to installation posed by the pillars, branches and telephone cable. Provided professional guidance to contractor with regards to groundwork and foundation requirements ensuring a suitable base for the new building.

Summary

The new building has replaced an old timber classroom that was no longer fit for purpose with a new building that very much is! The building is to be utilised as a classroom for outdoor education which will provide new opportunity in an engaging environment for the students at King Edwards Five Ways School. The delivery and installation of the building was carried out in a timely manner in-line with client requirements.

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“GCS Cabins were charged with delivering and installing a freestanding classroom on the grounds of King Edward’s VI Five Ways school Birmingham. The position of the classroom made it a challenging task. Access was very tight along with restrictions for overhead cables. All these issues were dealt with at the early stages of the project allowing for a fault free installation. A thoroughly professional job! Thankyou!”