Steel frame gets tops marks for New Malden school

Structural steelwork is nearing completion for a new, three-storey, teaching block and sports hall for Burlington Junior School in New Malden, south London.

Working on behalf of main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction, SDM Fabrication is fabricating, supplying and erecting 170t of steelwork for the project.

As well as the new build, the programme also includes the refurbishment of the school’s Victorian building, the installation of two multi-use games areas (MUGA), landscaping and the demolition of an outdated 1970s block. The overall scheme is aiming to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

The new building’s teaching spaces are arranged along the northern elevation, with the first and second floors overlooking a central 12m-wide atrium that runs the length of the block, from one core to the other.

Adding some architectural interest, the building steps back at first floor level along the southern elevation, forming a terrace, which will be landscaped to create an outdoor space. At first floor, a bridge, formed by two 12m-long beams, spans the atrium, linking the classrooms with the terrace.

Below the outdoor space, the southern elevation’s ground floor accommodates offices, a plant room and changing facilities for the adjoining sports hall.

Throughout the teaching block, the steel frame supports precast flooring units, weighing up to 3t each, which form the first and second floors as well as the terrace.

The new school building is due to be finished by the end of this year, in time for the school to use it for the first term of 2025. The remainder of the works will then be completed by May 2025.