Member Article

Innovation at the heart of four new North Wales school builds

Four new North Wales school buildings set for completion in 2019 are being built with the latest innovative methods to save time and money.

Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction is the main contractor on the projects for Ysgol Penyffordd, Flintshire, Ysgol Santes Dwynwen, Anglesey, Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, and Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, both Denbighshire.

The award-winning construction company is installing structural insulated panels (SIPs), which are akin to material used to build timber frame residential properties.

Compared to the more traditional bricks and mortar method, the schools will benefit from a more energy efficient building. In addition, the use of SIPs will allow pupils and staff to enjoy the new facilities sooner because of a quicker and smoother design and build process.

Andy Garner, design manager at Wynne Construction, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering the best possible solution for clients through innovation, and SIPs are ideal for these projects.

“One of the key elements of using SIPs is that quality is not compromised. For example, SIPs were used on the shared school site at Glasdir, Ruthin last year. The scheme, which involved the relocation of two primary schools to the development, is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.

“Indeed, the Glasdir project won Best Use of SIPs at the Structural Timber Awards in 2018.

“Embedding the SIP manufacturer in the design team from the outset ensures a fully co-ordinated SIP model is produced earlier in the process. This speeds up time from the outset of construction with the SIP structure being manufactured earlier in the programme.

“As well as time saved at the start of the programme, the build phase is also shorter, and overall this means pupils are on-site in their new learning environment quicker.”

Lauren Kennedy, business development coordinator at Innovaré, which specialises in SIP solutions and is sub-contracting to Wynne Construction on the projects, said: “There is a boost to health and safety as construction is carried out off-site. In addition, it reduces waste and improves sustainability. It really is a win-win for all parties.

“On the Glasdir scheme, through collaboration with Wynne Construction and architects Lovelock Mitchell, a completed construction design meant that the client’s performance specifications were agreed nine months prior to the start date.

“The time saved is critical for many organisations and we’re thrilled to be working with Wynne Construction on these four schools in North Wales.”

Wynne Construction is a leading construction company operating throughout North Wales, Mid Wales and the North West of England.

The firm regularly leads on projects in sectors including education, healthcare, and sport and leisure.

It was named the best SME construction company at the UK Constructing Excellence (CE) National awards in 2018.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .