VolkerFitzpatrick Delivers New ‘Academic Hub’

VolkerFitzpatrick has been awarded a £17m contract to construct two new teaching accommodation buildings at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School in Hertfordshire.

The new standalone Maths and Economics building will span over two storeys and will feature classroom accommodation along with departmental offices, built around a central corridor. Each classroom will be fitted with student lockers and a ‘teaching wall’ which will incorporate an 84-inch screen, whiteboard and storage space.

Both buildings will have reinforced concrete frames, supported by CFA piled foundations, delivered by fellow VolkerWessels UK business unit, VolkerGround Engineering. The team will also install brick cladding to the buildings’ exteriors, along with aluminium windows and zinc-clad pitched roofing.

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 Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School. These impressive buildings will provide a well-designed, stimulating, practical and versatile space for the students and teachers to enjoy.”

Michael Lewis, Director of Operations for Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, commented: “It is an absolute pleasure to work with VolkerFitzpatrick on this truly historic new addition to the Boys’ School. Their planning, site management and understanding of working in a school environment is exceptional.”

Care was taken in the design phase to make sure the buildings’ interior aesthetic remains consistent with the existing school building. Corridors and internal doors will predominantly feature oak glazing and the corridor ceilings will be oak timber, 50 per cent of which will be removable, allowing access to mechanical systems within the ceiling void.

Throughout the project, 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.

Construction began in January 2021 and is set for completion in April 2022.

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