SUTTON HIGH SCHOOL

The groundworks package includes a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall functionality and sustainability of the new building. The key components of the package are:

Roads & Drainage Systems

• 580 meters of drainage installation: The drainage system is designed to support proper water management across the site. This includes stormwater management, reducing flooding risk and ensuring proper flow to the infiltration and rainwater harvesting tanks
• 5-meter deep large infiltration tank: A large-scale infiltration tank designed to manage excess stormwater by allowing it to slowly permeate into the ground, helping prevent surface water flooding
• 4.5-meter deep rainwater harvesting tank: Designed to capture and store rainwater for reuse in the building, contributing to sustainability by reducing reliance on mains water
• Temporary works for excavations: Due to the substantial depth of the tanks, large-scale temporary works were required to ensure the safety and stability of the site during the excavation process

Foundations & Structural Works

• Pad foundations and ground beams: These foundations provide the structural support for the building, ensuring its stability and integrity
• 640m² structural slab: A significant portion of the foundation; this structural slab includes the casting of holding down bolts, which are integral to securing the building’s superstructure to the ground

Full Permeable Road Construction

• 900m² full permeable road: A permeable road surface is constructed to support sustainable drainage by allowing water to infiltrate into the ground. This reduces runoff and helps with water management, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals

External Works & Landscaping

• Block paved external works
• Truck pave
• Gabion baskets

Complex Drainage & Tank Installation

• The installation of the infiltration tank and the rainwater harvesting tank at a depth of up to 5 meters and 4.5 meters, respectively, presented logistical and safety challenges. The excavation required a full temporary works design and cat 3 sign off

Managing Traffic & Machinery in the Construction Area

• Heavy machinery and construction vehicles needed to be carefully managed

Sustainability Considerations

• With a strong focus on sustainability, the team had to ensure that all elements, including the permeable road, infiltration tanks and rainwater harvesting system, were integrated effectively and functioned as part of an overall site-wide water management plan

Coordinating Multiple Activities

• The concurrent construction of multiple key elements, including foundations, drainage and roads, required seamless coordination between teams to maintain the project timeline and minimise disruptions

Detailed Planning and Temporary Works Design

• To ensure the safety of workers and the structural integrity of the excavation areas, the project team implemented detailed temporary works, including shoring and propping to stabilise the deep excavations for the infiltration and rainwater harvesting tanks

Permeable Road Construction Techniques

• The 900m² full permeable road was carefully constructed using materials specifically designed to allow water to permeate through to the ground below. The road layers were strategically compacted to balance permeability and durability, ensuring it could handle traffic while still managing water runoff

Efficient Drainage Integration

• The newly-installed drainage systems, including the infiltration tank and rainwater harvesting tank, were seamlessly integrated into the site’s existing infrastructure, ensuring water was directed into the appropriate storage systems

External Paving and Landscaping

• Block paving for external areas was carried-out in accordance with the project’s design specifications, ensuring durability, ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Soft landscaping was incorporated to enhance the site’s green spaces and promote a pleasant environment for students and staff

Tight Programme

• With a tight short-term programme set due to the steel frame contractor start date, the project team had to ensure that all elements of the groundworks package were completed within a tightly-scheduled timeframe, requiring careful coordination and efficient work to meet milestones

Logistical Challenges Due to School Hours

• Given the active school environment, coordinating construction work around the school’s schedule proved to be complex. The team had to minimise disruption to students and staff, working within specific time windows and ensuring safety protocols were strictly followed

Winter Weather Conditions

• Starting the project during the winter months presented additional difficulties. Cold weather, adverse conditions and reduced daylight hours made hitting the deadlines challenging for the site team