Project Summary

Rossmar School faced an urgent need for a SEND provision to support children with special needs in the Limavady area. The Education Authority turned to McAvoy for a solution that could meet the tight deadline and provide a high-quality learning environment. McAvoy was awarded the project as their bid was the most economical, delivering both cost efficiency and the ability to execute the project quickly.

FacilitySEND Classrooms

LocationLimavady, Northern Ireland

Time on Site4 weeks

“The modular building has allowed us to create a dedicated space tailored to the specific needs of our students. The flexibility and adaptability of these buildings have significantly enhanced our ability to offer a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The attention to detail, and adherence to timelines have made this collaboration a seamless and positive experience. Thank you to everyone at McAvoy for their attention to detail, professionalism, and support to us as we created a space bespoke for our pupils needs.” Caroline Clements, Principal, Rossmar School

Additional Works

In addition to the classroom building itself, McAvoy was responsible for all associated site works, service connections, and improvements to the school’s car parking facilities.

 

Facility Design and Features

The building was designed to meet the specific needs of SEND classrooms. The SmartClass® solution offered a safe, functional, and inclusive learning environment. Key features include:

  • 4 Classrooms: Spacious and adaptable learning spaces designed to support diverse educational needs.
  • 4 Quiet Rooms: Dedicated rooms for students needing sensory breaks or focused learning.
  • 4 Student WC Areas: Convenient and accessible toilet facilities for students.
  • 2 Accessible WC Areas: Designed to accommodate students with mobility challenges, ensuring accessibility for all.

The project was 80% completed offsite, with only final connections and joint detailing completed on location. This reduced the time spent on site and minimised disruptions to the existing school environment.

 

Outcome

McAvoy successfully delivered four new SEND classrooms for Rossmar School, providing a high quality, safe, and accessible learning environment for children with special needs. The project not only met the urgent need for additional school places but also showcased McAvoy’s ability to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions in complex, live environments.

 

Key Challenges

It was crucial to maintain a safe and distraction-free environment for students while adhering to a fast-tracked schedule due to the urgent demand for additional classroom space.

McAvoy’s offsite approach, combined with efficient project management, ensured minimal disruption while still delivering the project on time. The modular building process allowed much of the work to be done offsite, limiting onsite activity and ensuring a safer site environment.

 

Utilising BIM for Greater Efficiency

The project employed Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve overall accuracy, coordination, and communication throughout the design and manufacturing phases.

The benefits of using BIM included:

  • Improved Accuracy & Coordination: BIM reduced the potential for errors and ensured a seamless integration of building components.
  • Reduced Risks & Costs: Better coordination through BIM helped minimise risks, keeping the project on budget.
  • Increased Productivity & Efficiency: Offsite construction, combined with BIM’s planning advantages, sped up the building process.Greater Sustainability: The streamlined approach resulted in less material waste and enhanced energy efficiency.

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