Junior School
“Working with xburo, we were able to rely on their expertise within mechanical and electrical systems which aided the school to identify the replacement of old and obsolete systems with new modern systems which ensured that the school are providing an up-to-date learning environment as well as hitting sustainability goals which will allow Hutchesons’ Grammar to flourish for another 381 years.” Ross Freel, Head of Estates & Projects
The Brief
Hutchesons’ Grammar is an educational establishment founded in 1641. The Junior School has been housed in a distinctive traditional listed building where investment in the infrastructure was sought. Working within the constraints of a listed building, our xburo team of mechanical and electrical engineers were commissioned to complete a full electrical and mechanical design exercise looking at the existing electrical and mechanical systems. The next phase was then putting a design specification together recommending what new electrical and mechanical systems could be implemented. xburo delivered the design specification, designed the engineering works, tendered the project works package and consulted with the school on the appointment of the main contractor.
Our Expertise
Choosing to invest in the maintenance of the school building, xburo completed a full electrical rewire survey of its existing systems including the full fire alarm and existing mechanical/heating system. From this survey they produced designs specifications for replacement electrical lighting systems, fire alarm system and mechanical/heating. A backlog of maintenance works, and the life expectancy of certain equipment was impacting and increasing maintenance costs each year which meant that the old infrastructure was becoming unmanageable and not sustainable. This investment would ensure cost certainty, MEP compliance and energy/sustainability goals for the future of the school which could be achieved due to the implementation of a strong new engineering design.
The Challenges
As a historic building, several challenges needed to be overcome as there were several old systems which had aged over the years with equipment now obsolete and no longer serviceable.
Benefits to the client
- Extensive experience in delivery of educational establishments;
- Experienced Chartered Engineers who provide good design support and design management exceeding standard requirements;
- Comprehensive site support to ensure all systems and projects achieve compliance.