Client: Darrick Wood School
Location: Orpington, Kent Value: £2.4 million
Form of Contract: JCT
Completion Date: November 2010
Faced with the challenge of designing a building which was sympathetic with a school’s existing architecture, Provian Construction, one of Kent’s leading main contractors, has once again proved its experience within the education sector having completed a new £2.7million sixth form centre at Darrick Wood School in Orpington, Kent.
Appointed to complete the design and build contract for the two storey sixth form centre, Provian worked alongside architect Giarti and engineers Kirksaunders to develop the 1200m2 steel frame building which features a pitched roof, bespoke round-top windows and was brick-built to match the school’s traditional masonry buildings.
The sixth form centre incorporates two new classrooms, state-of-the-art Resource Centre and a Common Room area where students can meet, relax, and work before and after school hours.
Provian also completed a sports store by removing an existing ‘shed structure’ and replacing it with an enlarged brick built store building. The creation of a year 7 play area, a car park with precast concrete retaining wall panels and the resurfacing of an existing car park were done as enabling works prior to commencement of Sixth Form Centre.
The school had previously experienced flooding during heavy rainfalls so as part of the contract Provian resolved this issue by upgrading the surface water drainage through the use of attenuation chambers and a pumped system.
Provian’s work at the school involved:• Design• New build• Infrastructure and external works
“I am writing on behalf of the Governing Body, Mrs Rhymaun (Head Teacher) and all members of Darrick Wood School to thank you for your excellent work. We have found Provian most effective in securing the School’s requirements consistent with meeting your contractual agreement. We are all agreed that the company has been crucial to the success of the overall project. The School has been most fortunate to have had your services.”Michael Hewitt, Chair of Governors