The Trust required a 60-year design life with a 25year warranty. This demanded robust materials, such as thermally modified timber cladding, firerated internal partitions, and durable finishes. Each component had to be factory-tested and specified to meet high levels of wear and tear, ensuring minimal maintenance costs across the building’s lifespan.

The specification emphasised long-term sustainability, with U-values of 0.16–0.26 W/m²K and airtight construction. Achieving this performance within modular constraints required close collaboration between design and factory teams. Ensuring compliance with current Building Regulations and the Trust’s environmental expectations demanded continuous monitoring of thermal bridging, insulation layers, and airtightness testing.

The SEND block was installed within a functioning secondary school. Deliveries, craning, and installation had to be scheduled outside peak pupil movement times. Noise and dust control measures reduced disruption to lessons. Clear signage, fencing, and supervised access points ensured safety for staff, students, and contractors throughout the construction phase.

Meeting and exceeding Part M requirements meant carefully coordinating door widths, corridor clearances, and level thresholds. Specialist sanitary provision demanded adjustable fittings, grab rails, and sufficient turning circles. The modular design required precision to ensure accessibility standards were fully integrated into each bay without compromising the manufacturing process or internal spatial efficiency.

Limited site area required efficient layout planning, with fencing, landscaping, and drainage coordinated tightly around the block. New permeable surfaces and play space had to be integrated while maintaining safe circulation and emergency access routes. Precision settingout was essential to avoid clashes with existing services and infrastructure while meeting planning requirements.

The integration of mechanical and electrical services, including heating, ventilation, access control, and lighting, presented challenges. Ceiling voids were designed to incorporate distribution without compromising acoustic performance or ceiling heights. External condensers were securely enclosed, and ducting routes carefully planned to avoid clashes with structural or architectural elements.