Building Construction Specialists in the South West
Education
Fifields Construction have extensive experience working within many educational settings throughout the South West
Working within schools, colleges and universities has become one of Fifields Constructions specialities, resulting in many strong established relationships and repeat business with clients such as Exeter University, Exeter PFI schools and NPS.
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We recognise that building works cause disruptions to staff and students and work closely with our clients to maintain flexibility and minimise disruption.
"Thank you Fifields for delivering our lovely new offices on the ground floor of Northcote House. This project was something that I have been wanting to do for some time and I think the finished build has surpassed my own original expectations.
It was imperative for me and my team that the work was delivered on time and to budget so that we could move back in ready for the start of the new term. This was achieved by your team whilst also delivering the work to a high standard. I always felt the project was well controlled and well managed and that you were flexible and pragmatic to move things around when necessary to accommodate our requirements." -
K.Best
University of Exeter
Our School Building Services include:
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New Builds
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Classroom Refurbishments
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Student Accommodation Refurbishments
Our Clients:
Exeter University
Client: University of Exeter £477k
Value: £477k
Location: Exeter
Surveyor: Pick Everard
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The project at the Washington Singer Building comprised the supply and installation of new flexible work and meetings spaces adequate for the University of Exeter students requirements.
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The works included the removal of the walls, partitions, ceilings, fixtures and fittings from the existing areas and the isolation and disconnection of any mechanical and electrical services supplying the area.
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The refurbished areas on the ground floor include the installation of new dryline walls with skim, metal stud partitions, the uncovering of existing windows in the flexible meeting and breakout areas, alterations to the existing concrete floor, new M&E services including lighting, power, data and ventilation, new suspended ceilings, acoustic ceiling rafts, vinyl floor finishes and new decoration throughout.
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New bespoke steel and timber feature walls were manufactured and installed and secondary stage glazing fitted to all the existing windows.
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A new DDA disabled toilet facility has been installed with new floor finishes, hygienic wall cladding, M&E services and decorations.
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All new M&E services installed have been programmed to operate via the existing University Building Management System (BMS).
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The project was completed in a time frame of 15 weeks during the summer term break.
MRI Building - Exeter University
The Exeter University MR Research Centre is a collaboration of the University of Exeter, the Exeter Medical School and the University of Plymouth.
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In 2020, Fifields Construction were appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the existing MRI suite on the St Luke’s Campus, allowing for the formation of a new open plan office. The works were undertaken whilst the building remained in use, requiring care and consideration to the existing building users whilst the construction works were completed.
The works comprised the removal of existing services, ceilings, partitions and floor details. New openings were created to allow for the installation of new structural steels, brickwork and lintels.
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Internally the works included new plastering, mechanical and electrical services, new ceilings, decorations, floor finishes and a new tea point.
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External works comprised excavations to allow the installation of new drainage, new retaining walls, new paving and fencing.
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Additionally we undertook the removal of the existing MRI machine located on site. This required clear co-ordination and delicate attention to ensure the safe removal of the high value equipment.
The Ocean Building, Lampard School
In 2021, Fifields were awarded a project at the Lampard Community School, Barnstaple to undertake ‘Phase A’ comprising the internal refurbishment of the existing school and the replacement of the existing roof overlay.
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Following the successful completion of ‘Phase A’ Fifields were able to negotiate the following Phases (B & C) which commenced in January 2022.
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The Phase B works comprised the construction of a new build two-storey accommodation block, with associated hard landscaping and the relocation of the soft play area and sensory trail. The new build is comprised of a brickwork superstructure with new roof coverings, windcatchers and an external staircase to the flat roof.
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The Phase C works comprised the conversion of the existing changing rooms into a single medical room. Alteration works to the music store were completed, creating a new entrance to the new extension. Additional works also included the conversion of the existing drama room into a new Library/ICT area.
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The works were completed both in term and out of term time. The school is catered to children aged 5-16 with complex needs. Working in sensitive areas such as schools requires extensive planning and preparation to ensure that the requirements of the building are fully accommodated and understood. The additional vulnerability of the children at the school required Fifields to undertake this project with extensive care and consideration.
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Through the efforts of our site team and the close co-ordination of all those involved, we were able to deliver this extensive project in a safe and effective manner, delivering a high quality finish. The staff and pupils of the school were pleasant and helpful throughout the contract phase and we hope that the local community benefits from this fantastic project we were honoured to be involved with.
Newton Abbot College
At Fifields Construction we pride ourselves on our established reputation, delivering successful building schemes within the educational sector.
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One such example of this was demonstrated through our project at the Newton Abbot College, which comprised the demolition of the existing dance studio and maths classroom, and the construction of a new dance studio and maths block.
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Materials used for the project included new cedar boarding with render and multi-coloured Trespa panels complementing the external facade
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Localised external works including landscaping and reinstatements to the areas of the demolished classroom were also delivered.
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The project was completed both in and out of term time, requiring Fifields Construction to operate a fully functioning site during regular school hours without disrupting the day to day
operations of the school.
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This was carried out successfully through effective site co-ordination, impeccable health and safety and a well organised and highly communicative project team.
Chumleigh College
Fifields Construction were awarded a contract by the Chulmleigh Academy Trust for the development of a new single storey classroom block at the Chulmleigh Community College, a mixed secondary school.
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The works comprised the construction of a single storey classroom block and separate WC block with a store-room to form a part of the existing college.
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The extension was built on concrete foundations with a steel frame construction and a timber roof structure and ply deck with metal pitched roof coverings as well as new aluminium windows. Externally, the building is finished with cladding and K-Rend render.
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Internally the building has been fitted with underfloor heating as well as new mechanical and electrical services, suspended ceilings with new decorations and floor finishes and a new purpose made kitchen provided and installed by a specialist subcontractor under the supervision of Fifields Construction.
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The project was completed within a timescale of 24 weeks and was carried out both in and out of term time. Working in this sensitive occupied environment required clear and careful co-ordination, flexible planning and effective site management to ensure the delivery of a high-quality construction project.
Braunton Academy
Braunton Academy is a co-educational secondary school with academy status located in North Devon.
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Appointed by TFQ Architects in 2016 as the principal contractor, Fifields Construction undertook the refurbishment and general repair of the main quadrangle building.
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The project was completed in September 2016 with works including the complete replacement of the heating system, the re-covering of the flat roof area, the renewal of roof fascia’s, soffits and new rain-water goods.
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The project was required to be completed within a narrow time frame of 8 weeks during the summer term. We were able to
carry out the job on a fast track basis, achieving the target deadline whilst still delivering the project within budget and to the highest possible quality.
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As Principal Contractors, Fifields Construction managed all trades of the project from start to finish and maintained a continual site presence, managing and co-ordinating trades with all direct building works.
Braunton Academy
Braunton Academy is a co-educational secondary school with academy status located in North Devon.
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Appointed by TFQ Architects in 2016 as the principal contractor, Fifields Construction undertook the refurbishment and general repair of the main quadrangle building.
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The project was completed in September 2016 with works including the complete replacement of the heating system, the re-covering of the flat roof area, the renewal of roof fascia’s, soffits and new rain-water goods.
​
The project was required to be completed within a narrow time frame of 8 weeks during the summer term. We were able to
carry out the job on a fast track basis, achieving the target deadline whilst still delivering the project within budget and to the highest possible quality.
​
As Principal Contractors, Fifields Construction managed all trades of the project from start to finish and maintained a continual site presence, managing and co-ordinating trades with all direct building works.