Permission was finally granted for a rebuild of the former Chantry High School in Ipswich early in 2014. This gave the contractors, Kier Construction, the challenge of completing the rebuild in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2015.
Flood Super Wideslab® Flooring is providing the speed of erection which can ensure the success of this important project.
Wide Slab Flooring and Precast Stair Cores
Flood supplied 6,000 square metres of Super Wideslab® Flooring, which will feature exposed soffits in the finished building. At 2.4 metres wide, the flooring can be laid quickly with reduced need for propping.
The wide slab flooring’s Class B finish, to which paint can be applied directly, contributes to the thermal mass of the building and thus aids the maintenance of a stable ambient temperature, as well as saving construction time. Also supplied were four two-storey stair cores, which like the flooring will be used with an exposed concrete finish.
Planning to reduce disruption
The site is in a built-up area, and normal school activity is continuing during the build. The careful planning and co-ordination of deliveries (in Flood’s case, involving fifty-two articulated lorry loads) has therefore been an important element of the project. Another factor has been the care needed in handling precast products which will be on view in the finished building.
An overdue rebuilding programme
Plans to rebuild the school, described as one of the most dilapidated high schools in Ipswich, were first mooted under the previous government, but were shelved under the austerity programme. This Academy is one of five East of England schools which Kier will be working on this autumn and winter.
The Academy’s Principal, Andrew Fell, told a local newspaper: “It is a great moment for everyone concerned. Everyone has been working extremely hard to ensure all plans are in place and we are confident that the building will be completed and ready to open in September 2015.”
Project Team
- Contractor – Kier Eastern
- Engineer – PEP
- Architect – Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Flood Precast:”A pleasure working Chris on the day to day running of this job which is the second in a batch of 5 east of England schools for Kier all on site this Autumn & Winter.”
For more information on Flood Super Wideslab® contact our team at info@floodprecast.ie
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During all stages, Flood maintained and excellent helpful and professional service. They delivered high quality installation of wide slab flooring in a safe and productive manner, whilst maintain a tight schedule.
