hoarding corridor running 160m , the full length of the single carriageway access route through the playgrounds . Temporary access stairs and ramps , bridging up and over the hoarding corridor , were built to allow learners to access play areas without the risk of crossing construction vehicle routes .
A geotechnical assessment identified poor founding conditions and subsidence at the outer edge of the site and piling down into stable founding conditions was required . Piling work and bulk earthworks were conducted during school holidays to minimise interference with the schools ’ activities . The remainder of the structure is comprised of a concrete frame with suspended ground floor slabs , supported by piles , and coffer slabs to the first floor and roof . Concrete pours with the associated truck deliveries had to be planned to align with weekends and school holidays .
Interiors The internal aesthetic of the STEM Centre celebrates natural materials and raw finishes with polished concrete floor slabs and exposed concrete coffer slab soffits which provide hard wearing surfaces , ensuring longevity and low maintenance . This backdrop is enlivened by an exposed services system reticulated on a suspended cable tray grids which allows the school to easily maintain services and enables future flexibility . The acoustic environment in the classrooms is managed through suspended vertical acoustic baffles which also bring an element of refinement to the spaces . Internal architectural steelwork is painted in the German Schools trademark navy blue to add an element of playfulness and colour . Leaners desks are on wheels , as are the teachers ’ desks , fume cupboards and digital whiteboards allowing for the classrooms to be easily configured as required .
DSK STEM Centre 55