The baseline designs have been costed and are achievable within the funding allocation.

This has been achieved by:

  • Efficient wall to floor ratios within the parameters of the design solution. For example, wall to floor ratios in the ‘finger block’ will be inherently less efficient than in the ‘superblock’, however the finger block is inherently more flexible in relation to more challenging site shapes and topography.
  • Using orthogonal forms with no curves or ‘faceted’ curves, having minimal indents, ‘dog legs’ and notches in the plan shapes.
  • Maximising stacking where possible e.g. uniformity of block height, adherence to structural grid as much as possible to minimise transfer structures, stacking of toilet cores where possible.
  • Efficient circulation layouts.
  • Design replication. For example, elements of layouts can be replicated across more than one site reducing re-design costs (particularly in the secondary finger block).
  • Design repetition, for example limiting the range of window sizes/types.

Specification reductions, rationalisations and omissions have also been applied to ensure affordability. Examples include:

  • External envelope specifications – no glazed curtain walling or ETFE roofs; low cost envelope materials, such as render or metal panel, above ground floor window head height; optimisation of window areas as a percentage of classroom external wall area; no external roof terraces.
  • Internal materials and finishes specifications – basic specification solid core doors; no folding partitions; basic stair and balustrading finishes; fair faced concrete soffits.
  • Mechanical and electrical specifications – no internal CCTV other than to the main entrance; reduced lighting specifications; simplified building controls and energy management system in place of complex (Building Management System).

The above are examples where savings have been made. However, we make no compromises, and continue to seek improvement, regarding optimum environmental conditions for learning. We achieve this through:

  • A robust natural ventilation strategy, including the provision of thermal mass where necessary.
  • Sufficient levels of balanced glare-free daylight to classrooms, without overheating.