Opened by Boris Johnston in 2014 this exciting new 14 class base Primary School demonstrated how a restricted site can be overcome with imaginative design. The project provided the full complement of teaching accommodation augmented by a large multi-purpose hall and dining facility. Through thoughtful site master planning and careful phasing the new 2 storey building was delivered within 12 months whilst the existing adjacent school remained fully operational. To achieve this McAdams adopted non-traditional CLT construction methods for speed of erection. These presented additional fire and acoustic challenges which were resolved in collaboration with specialist advisors.
Sustainability was a key driver with the new building complying with the ‘London Plan’ which required inclusion of roof mounted photovoltaic panels and a brown roof. We optimised this approach by including a roof garden which is utilised as an additional teaching resource. This was all provided within a modern, energy efficient building which supported low life cycle maintenance costs.
Rabbsfarm Primary School was part of Hillingdon Borough Councils Accelerated Replacement Scheme for local primary schools. McAdams were thrilled to a leading participant in this programme and completed several other fast tracked primary schools from 2012-2016. Key feature included: