Supporting growth within the education sector

The education sector within construction saw substantial growth in 2024 and will continue to be a thriving sector in the second half of 2024 and into 2025.

After the value of underlying education projects starts increased by more than a fifth this year, the recent Glenigan Construction Forecast 2024-25 predicts a further 13% increase in 2024.

Here, we delve into the significant value that building control brings to the successful delivery of education projects.

Building Control: A vital component in education projects

When constructing education facilities, compliance with strict regulations is not just a formality; it’s a vital step in ensuring that the school is a conducive learning environment for students, staff, and visitors. A reliable and experienced building control partner is key to meeting all building standards and regulations, thereby contributing to the successful delivery and smooth running of a project.

Building control ensures compliance with safety standards, such as fire safety, structural integrity, and accessibility, thereby minimising risks and enhancing the safety of the facility.

Compliance challenges and solutions

There are many design considerations to be made when it comes to compliance for education facilities. Building control, with its expertise, can add significant value in overcoming design challenges contractors and architects face. Some of these include:

Acoustics – Good acoustics are essential for effective learning environments. Building control ensures that acoustic regulations and standards are met, helping to create environments conducive to learning by reducing noise pollution and improving sound quality. Examples could include how fire alarm systems are heard throughout the school or sound insulation between spaces to prevent the spread of noise, allowing for a quieter working environment.

Accessibility – Facilities must be accessible to all students, staff, and visitors, including those with disabilities. Building control ensures that compliance with building regulations set out in Approved Document M has been met, ensuring that all people are able to access and use the building and its facilities. These regulations focus on areas including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Fire safety – Educational institutions in England and Wales must adhere to the fire safety regulations outlined in Building Bulletin 100 (BB100). These guidelines specify stricter conditions for schools than the policies in the Approved Documents. This guidance focuses on the design and layout of school buildings to enhance fire safety, considering the specific use of spaces within schools.

MMC for education projects

One building method that has seen growth in the construction sector is MMC (Modern Methods of Construction). Due to its benefits to projects through a reduction in embodied carbon, faster delivery times, and fewer trades on site, this method is also being adopted across many educational projects.

As experienced building control providers, we’ve worked with MMC specialists Reds10 in the past on school projects as part of the DfE’s £3bn Off-site Schools Framework, which included Waterside Primary Academy and Pathways School in London. This further highlights our extensive knowledge across a range of projects.

Collaboration is key

At Harwood, we have learned from experience that early collaboration is crucial for the success of any project. It is vital to involve building control as soon as possible, even during the design stage. This increases the likelihood of addressing any concerns or challenges early on, thus preventing any negative impact or delays to project deadlines during construction.

An experienced partner

Selecting a reliable building control partner with a strong reputation can significantly affect a project’s success. It can ensure that the project runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and remains within budget. We have extensive experience working on various education projects, providing building control support for clients such as Kier, Reds10, and Morgan Sindall. In 2024, we will continue to be entrusted with delivering education projects, demonstrating our ability to offer expert assistance to a wide range of clients.

We are collaborating with Kent Structures to construct a 2-storey teaching block and refurbish an existing one at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Faversham. Additionally, we are working with Morgan Sindall on the construction of a new 2FE Core and 1FE Primary School in Canterbury.

Every project has its own set of challenges. Working with a team like Harwood Building Control, you will receive comprehensive support throughout the project, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing you with peace of mind.

If you’re interested in discussing an upcoming project with Harwood, get in touch with us. Please click here or e-mail enquiries@harwood.uk.com.