A new school, focused on inspiring, supporting and nurturing children who find mainstream schools a challenge has been completed by Lincolnshire-based interior design and fit out business APSS Ltd ready to open its doors later this month.
Working in partnership with property developers, Paradigm Land and educational specialists, Sumus UK, the project has converted a commercial building on the corner of Wellington street and Polytechnic Street in Woolwich into an educational facility, helping children from a range of backgrounds who struggle in a normal school environment.
It will provide a variety of facilities from classrooms, offices and meeting rooms to social multi-purpose spaces, as well as a full commercial kitchen and canteen facilities.
The design offers a different environment and collaborative approach to help these children overcome their learning challenges. It will have a modern light and airy interior to provide a calming environment where students can feel relaxed.
The APSS design team worked closely with Paradigm Land and Sumus UK as part of a full turnkey service to create stunning layouts. These took into consideration the acoustics within the space, cost effective finishes, the school’s ethos and teaching strategies as well as safeguarding the children.
With blue themes throughout, the interior promotes a calming environment. There are large feature walls across the building including a large forest graphic in the dining hall and tonal blue walls in classrooms which appears to blend in with the carpet finishes.
A new mezzanine has been installed to expand on the existing space within the building, whilst curtain walling has been integrated to the exterior to enhance the acoustic and thermal performance of the building whilst also providing more natural light.
The building includes soft furnishings, as well as the installation of a new DDA compliant platform lift and new entrances on both Wellington street and Polytechnic Street.
Paradigm Land appointed APSS for the project due to its commitment to quality in addition to being able to produce high level designs and commence on site inside the tight timescales required by the client to meet a launch date in February.
APSS provided a complete turnkey service, acting as principal designer, principal contractor and architect. The site is now ready for Sumus UK to put its own personal touches in before officially opening the school.
Laurence Barrass, Managing Director for APSS, said:
“This project has demonstrated the importance of a strong team from client, contractor and specialist contractor to allow us to turn concept into reality in a very short space of time.
“We worked closely with both Paradigm Land and Sumus UK to make sure all their requirements were taken into consideration so when the new school opens, it will make a real impact on the children who are struggling in the mainstream educational system.
“Both companies are inspirational to work with and we are thrilled to be part of this project.”
Tom Roberts, Technical Manager for Paradigm Land said:
“APSS, from the initial conception of the project, welcomed the opportunity to transform a void commercial unit in the heart of Woolwich into a community assembly and education facility.
“Right from the outset of the project, APSS took on-board high-level design information and progressed into a detailed presentation, winning the hearts of the Paradigm and Sumus team and provided a pivotal role in the development of planning documents.
“Throughout the various stages of the project the APSS team’s insightful knowledge in design and construction proved invaluable to delivering a high-quality product fit for purpose under strict timescales.
“Their ability to take on project complexities such as BREEAM and engagement with the local authority whilst constructing under a fully occupied residential building allowed Paradigms minds to be at ease knowing that project was in safe hands.”