Client’s Requirements

Kings Science Academy is a new specialist science free school in Bradford. The school, run by the Kings Free Schools and Academies Trust and supported by Hartley Group chairman, Alan Lewis CBE, holds approximately 800 pupils.

The client required a design solution which maximised the use of the existing structures resulting in less money and time being spent in the ground and allowing the re-direction of funds to the areas which would make a difference to teaching and learning, such as efficient use of space and effective integration of IT.

There was also a requirement for the building to be easy to maintain with natural lighting and ventilation to keep the running costs down.

Silcock Leedham’s Contribution

Silcock Leedham was appointed by Bam Construction to complete performance design duties to RIBA Stage D and retained by SES to complete detail design duties to RIBA Stage F1.

In order to meet the client’s requirements for natural lighting and ventilation, we employed the following techniques:

• Solar control glazing was installed on all facades with the exception of those that were North facing, to minimise heat gain in the space
• Ventilation to the dining hall, main hall & sports halls was via natural roof mounted ventilation turrets complete with integral shafts, heat exchangers, dampers and control systems, to modulate the input / output of fresh air
• Summertime ventilation to classrooms and any office / meeting space was via natural means, via manually operated opening windows provided at high and low levels in the façade

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

In addition to completing the above duties we  worked as ICT Advisor on this job ensuring an “anytime anywhere” flexible approach was adapted to the design and installation. We  developed the core needs of the ICT brief with the end user and integrated the design of the ICT services into the building fabric and systems, to create a flexible, usable and sustainable network. We were also appointed as BREEAM Assessor and Accredited Professional from early design stage.