Prospect House SEND Primary School
Sutcliffe contributed to the design and build of a new single-storey SEND primary school, replacing an existing facility. The 2915m² building, accommodating 100 pupils, was constructed with a hot-rolled steel frame, lightweight metal roof, and features a reinforced concrete hydrotherapy pool. The project addressed significant challenges including historic landfill and high methane levels with advanced foundation and gas membrane systems. Completed amid COVID-19 lockdowns, the school provides modern, specialised spaces for both pupils and staff.
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Due to historic landfill and high methane levels, we designed piled foundations and a suspended insitu reinforced concrete ground floor slab. A bespoke gas membrane system was installed to manage ground gas, and foundations were placed directly beneath the slab to minimise contaminated land disposal.
The design included a double column arrangement at the building’s primary movement joint, necessary for the 100-metre length, and supports for hoists required by the school. The hydrotherapy pool’s reinforced concrete structure was paired with enhanced corrosion protection for exposed steelwork.
Below-ground drainage required extensive surface water attenuation to meet statutory requirements, given the near-capacity combined sewer. The project encountered delays due to COVID-19 lockdowns, but the collaborative approach ensured the successful completion of the facility.
Project Value: £8.9m
Architect: JM Architects
Contractor: Tilbury Douglas
Start date: June 2019
End date: March 2022
