The practice was appointed in 2011 to design a new Studio School by the Midland Academies Trust at its Spa Lane campus whose principle sponsor, North Warwickshire & Hinckley College, had commissioned Robothams on a number of projects over the previous 7 years. This project involved the reuse of a 1930s technical college building to provide a range of teaching rooms including a laboratory and ancillary spaces such as a refectory and student social space.
Following a procurement review a single stage tender traditional form of JCT contract was selected with tenders invited from a number of regional contractors. Specialist items such as the laboratory fit out were developed by designing sub-contractors in parallel with the works progressing on site. The existing building was a load bearing masonry structure with concrete floors and a timber roof structure. All mechanical and electrical services were replaced as part of the project which included the addition of a platform lift between ground and lower ground floor levels. Our commission also encompassed the co-ordination of the fit out and design of bespoke furniture.
