WELSH CLASSROOMS DELIVERED VIA THE SEWSCAP FRAMEWORK

Having been on the renowned South East and Mid Wales Framework (SEWSCAP) for two years, Wernick Buildings has, and continues to, supply a number of school projects based across South Wales. The SEWSCAP framework gathers the expertise and knowledge of experienced contractors to provide schools, public buildings, and construction works. Wernick Buildings is a supplier on lot 11 of the Framework which focuses on the provision of construction services for demountable and modular buildings valued up to £100m. Ty Gwyn Special School in Cardiff and Mynydd Cynffig Primary school in Bridgend were the first two projects completed by Wernick via the SEWSCAP framework. After reaching maximum pupil capacity, Ty Gwyn Special School needed to acquire an additional learning facility for their pupils. As a result, a mini competition was run by Cardiff Council through the SEWSCAP framework in order to select a contractor to deliver a new SEN-friendly facility. Wernick Buildings won the £1.5m contract and began working collaboratively with the council to deliver a suitable teaching environment for pupils who may have extra behavioural or sensory challenges. Despite the outbreak of Covid-19, the building was completed in time for the new school term with a programme length of 20 weeks. Social distancing measures and enhanced health and safety regulations were enforced to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those working on the project. Wernick’s standard classroom specification was upgraded to accommodate the additional needs of the pupils. The single-storey building consists of 18 modules in total, contains four classrooms and is fully equipped with DDA compliant toilet and shower rooms. Withdrawal areas and sensory classrooms were incorporated into the design of the building to provide an appropriate and engaging environment for the pupils. Externally, the new school is finished with facing brickwork and a trussed roof, giving it a more traditional appearance. Wernick also provided landscaping, including a playground and soft-play area as part of their full turnkey service offer. A spokesperson for Cardiff council commented on the project, stating that “working relationships were excellent, and this facilitated first class communication and ultimately the delivery of a highly successful project.” As repair work uncovered further damage, Mynydd Cynffig Primary School in Bridgend was forced to close, with the school needing a quick and reliable solution that would provide their pupils with suitable classroom space in time for the September term. The speed of build offered by a modular programme provided the perfect solution. As a result, the project went through competitive tendering via the SEWSCAP framework which was ultimately won by Wernick. Jason Burton, Principal Architectural Assistant for the project, commented: “It was clear that a modular specialist would need to be engaged to help the Authority provide good quality accommodation following the closure of the school. Wernick were selected after submitting an excellent quality questionnaire as part of the tender process.” Once procured, the building modules were manufactured at Wernick’s specialist factory which is conveniently located just three miles from the school. The modules were then transported via lorry and installed on-site in three months. Within three weeks the building process was complete with the on-site installation delivering a water-tight building in just a matter of days. In addition, Wernick Buildings developed Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to comply with National Welsh Government Standards (SAB) for the project. With the initial order for the project was secured in June, Wernick Buildings worked hard to ensure the new education facility was completed and handed over by September of the same year. The new classrooms have an expected design-life of 50 years + and come fully fitted with toilet facilities, energy-efficient windows, heating, and insulation. It guarantees that the pupils of Mynydd Cynffig can receive their education in a modern, comfortable environment and no longer have to use external facilities. The build also represents a £1.2m investment into the school. Jason further stated: “The project was completed within an unbelievable timeframe, within budget and everyone is delighted with the quality of the product received. It was great to be involved with a local company based only a few miles away and I would welcome the opportunity to work with Wernick again.” Alongside the already sustainable nature of modular construction, both projects were located near Wernick’s factory in Kenfig which retains around 100 employees. As a result, modules were transported up to a maximum of 33 miles to reach the site, reducing carbon footprint and minimising the overall impact on the environment. In addition, Wernick worked closely with local SMEs throughout the projects and in accordance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. Wernick’s relationship with the SEWSCAP continues and the company will soon start work on a modular childcare facility on the site of Ysgol Panteg School at Griffithstown in Pontypool. To access the SEWSCAP website, please click here.

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