Worth School - New Build Extension to Existing Science Centre

Worth School is a private co-educational day and boarding school, located within the grounds of Worth Abbey in rural West Sussex. Baxall secured the contract via competitive tender to deliver a single-storey infill extension to the existing science centre creating three new laboratories with a combined floor area of 332m².

Project Overview
Works included the diversion and installation of new building services, the construction of a new Head of Science office within the existing science block and refurbishment works to corridors linking the Science, Art and Design & Technology departments. We delivered the project over a tight 39-week programme within a live/occupied school environment, requiring careful coordination with school operations and stakeholders, including the Abbey.

Scope of Works and Phasing
We delivered the works in two distinct phases. Phase one comprised a 13-week summer programme to refurbish the existing physics lab, create an additional office, install a server cupboard at the base of the adjoining staircase and undertake structural corridor alterations to accommodate roof lights and new doorways. These reconfigurations and alterations enabled a seamless integration with the following new-build extension. Phase two ran for 36 weeks and involved the single-storey timber-framed extension (with some primary supporting steelwork), located in the courtyard space between the exiting science and DT building, as well as installation of services, internal fit-out of the laboratories and completion of associated refurbishment works to adjoining circulation areas. The extension’s façade features a combination of glazing, brickwork and cladding with a tiled roof, in keeping with surrounding buildings.

Access and Site Constraints
The project faced significant access constraints due to the infill nature of the extension and the live/sensitive educational setting. Access was restricted to a single elevation, with the remaining elevations either adjoining existing buildings or designated as out of bounds during normal school hours. We implemented strict access controls to manage ingress and egress, ensuring pupil safety and maintaining secure segregation between construction activities and the school’s daily operations.

Value Engineering
Value engineering was primarily driven by material availability challenges and programme requirements. Alternative materials for insulation, acoustic panels and selected finishes were proposed where original specifications were unachievable within the required timescales. We delivered further cost efficiencies by recommending to the client suitable lower-cost alternatives.

Stakeholder Engagement
We maintained regular engagement with the school leadership team via daily/weekly meetings, tailored to the level of site activity. This collaborative approach ensured we kept the school fully informed of all progress, upcoming activities and any potential operational impacts.

Sustainability Measures
Sustainability considerations were notably delivered through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels to support on-site renewable energy generation and reduce the building’s operational carbon footprint.

Challenges and Solutions
One of the most challenging aspects was working within the school’s safeguarding framework. Any sub-contractor personnel lacking the appropriate clearance through the school’s safeguarding process (taking up to 10 weeks for approval) were not permitted to move freely around the site and needed escorting by approved staff. This required meticulous planning by Baxall’s delivery team with clear communication to avoid delays and maintain productivity.

Quality Outcomes
We handed over the project defect-free, reflecting our unwavering focus on quality assurance and attention to detail from start to finish. As a result of our successful Science Centre delivery, Worth School engaged us to undertake major refurbishment works to the school’s kitchen zone, which we completed on time, to budget and with zero defects.