A new Sixth Form Centre and wider remodelling for a Dorset upper school.
Osborn Associates was instructed to provide a complete building services design consultancy service for the proposed redevelopment works at the new Sixth Form Centre at Ferndown Upper School. The scheme comprised the remodelling of several parts of the existing school, identified under three areas of work, together with a proposed new sixth form block - with the existing block to be demolished.
Because the updated services had to operate correctly in accordance with the systems that remained, the appointment began with an extensive site survey of the existing mechanical and electrical services. The company then delivered the updated MEP, fire, security and public health design across RIBA Stages 3 and 4, before continuing through Stage 5 technical support during construction and a final Stage 6 handover.
A full MEP and fire engineering package for a live secondary school.
The mechanical design covered ventilation, comfort cooling and low-temperature hot water heating, domestic hot and cold water services, soil and waste. The electrical scope included switchgear and sub-main distribution to equipment, low voltage power supply, lighting and emergency lighting, security and fire detection systems, together with a full package of specialist systems - access control, CCTV, an assisted toilet alarm system, audio entry, TV provision with antenna installation, structured cabling and telephone services across both copper and fibre optic lines.
Osborn Associates produced a Fire Engineering Statement to support the planning application, followed by the project Fire Engineering Strategy for Building Regulations approval. The company provided expert fire engineering support throughout construction, including the review of the relevant sub-contractors' design drawings, and completed the scope with testing, commissioning and training for all installed services.
A demanding programme, delivered around the school day.
Osborn Associates was tasked with completing the design for the project within a very short timeframe and met the deadline. The site surveys and design work also had to be carried out during school hours, requiring careful coordination to avoid disrupting teaching across a live, occupied campus.
Throughout, the company drew on its experience of educational environments to create comfortable conditions for students - a safe and stimulating setting for learning and social interaction. The design was delivered on the cornerstones of sustainability, environmental integrity, economic viability and social well-being.
