Case Studies

Pensby High School Laboratory Refurbishment

Pensby High School Laboratory Refurbishment

Client: Pensby High School
Location: Wirral
Project: School science laboratories refurbishment
Value: £165k
Project Manager: Phil Bowers

The Project

The two existing science labs at Pensby High School that had been installed back in the 90’s, were both in need of refurbishment. Working closely with the senior leadership team, we created a plan to update both labs during the summer break and bring them up to current standards as part of the school’s programme of investment in modern teaching facilities.

The first job was a full strip out of all of the existing furniture and fittings. This included the existing heating system that relied on cast iron radiators, which were struggling to provide enough heat during the colder months. Work commenced during term time requiring the careful segregation of workspaces from live teaching spaces and services had to be maintained at all times throughout the project due to summer clubs operating during the holidays.

With the space emptied and secured, we started the installation process, much of which happened simultaneously, due to the tight timescale and short lead in time from contract award.

As we started the refit, we replaced faulty valves throughout and bled the whole school heating system. We then installed a new fan coil heating system, that is much more energy efficient and controllable, as part of their decarbonisation efforts.

A new gas proving system came next. When the teacher enters the room for a class, it checks the gas pressure and also checks for gas within the room. If the pressure is too low, or gas is present, it activates a motorised valve, that will not allow the system to be activated, so gas cannot flow. All new gas pipework was also installed throughout the lab for additional peace of mind. There is also Co2 monitoring to keep the students safe (and awake) linked to a ventilation system that keeps the air fresh and the students alert.

The existing lighting was under spec throughout too, so a new lowered ceiling and high quality dimmable and fully controllable LED lighting was installed. You will see from the images that this had to have a bespoke section that kicks up along one edge, to ensure maximum natural light across the space.

We installed new Vulcathene chemical safe drainage to ensure there is no damage from chemicals being flushed out of the labs. Fire stopping work, the closing up of all penetrations/holes that could allow fire to spread from one space into another, was carried out throughout the laboratory space.

Before installing all of the lab furniture, we laid a new non-slip vinyl floor, which is an easy-clean, coved product for easy cleaning and long-term durability. We then installed all new domestic cold water and all of the small power, covering sockets, switches and lighting throughout, to keep it all to standard and ready to deliver many years service.

These types of MEP-led fit out projects suit our core strength as an MEP Contractor. With MEP engineering at our core, our team were able to be super flexible to deliver on-time to an exceptional standard.

As part of our work with the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub we’ve been working with Carolyn Turner, Pensby’s Careers & Progression Leader, delivering mock interviews and careers advice to students at the school. So, it was great to also play a part in delivering the school’s investment in modern teaching facilities.

As the team completed the project with time to spare, we had time to decorate the corridors around the labs free of charge to make the whole space feel new, clean and loved, ready for the students to return.

 

Background

Pensby High School, located on the Wirral, is a co-educational secondary school that serves students aged 11 to 16. The school prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal development, and preparing students for future education or employment. Their ongoing investment in modern facilities enables their commitment to high standards across the school. Pensby High School aims to nurture confident, resilient, and well-rounded young people.

Pensby High School

Project Management

The project was managed by Phil Bowers who said “This was an unusual project and one that not many firms could deliver in such a short timescale. There were so many different trades with electrical, gas, plumbing, building work and even joinery all working together to ensure we finished on time. But our team were super flexible and delivered it on-time and to an exceptional standard.”

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