VolkerFitzpatrick awarded contract for new pre-preparatory buildings at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
VolkerFitzpatrick has recently won a £7 million contract to deliver a high-quality education facility for Haberdashers’ Boys’ School in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
Founded in 1690 and situated in the grounds of Aldenham House, the school has undergone extensive renovation over the past decade and is VolkerFitzpatrick’s second project currently in development at the school.
The new development involves the construction of a cross laminated timber (CLT) frame development which will be a high-quality educational facility designed to maximise learning for pupils aged between reception, years 1 and 2. It is designed as a single storey, earth sheltered structure to blend successfully into the surrounding landscape with circulation areas that will double as breakout spaces, to encourage collaborative working between the classes.
The building configuration has been designed to maximise circulation efficiencies, to minimise the building footprint. In addition to the creation of state-of-the-art classrooms, the project involves the construction of a new hall and studio, divided with a folding screen, which will provide a large flexible space, able to be configured for assemblies, performances, indoor sports, cafeteria seating and study space. The existing Round House on site will be re-purposed as a library.
Throughout the project, the school will remain open. 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 Habs Boys. The impressive building will provide a well-designed, stimulating, practical and versatile space for the younger students and teachers to enjoy.”
Ben Walker, VolkerFitzpatrick project manager said “My team and I are excited to be involved in the latest development at the world-renowned school. I am confident VolkerFitzpatrick will deliver a first-class project and feel proud that we are contributing to the schools legacy to be enjoyed by pupils in years to come.”
Michael Lewis, Director of Operations at Habs said “The VolkerFitzpatrick team bring a wealth of experience to this exciting project; their knowledge of the site, great relationships with the wider project team, and flexibility of approach will all greatly assist in delivering this much needed building."