Newlands Primary School

Client
Hampshire County Council
Contractor
Value
£9.4m
Completion Date
August 2025

The Challenge

Selecting a frame structure which met HCC’s fabric-first principles and prioritised energy-efficiency through the building envelope.

Unique to other panel systems, the Streif timber frame solution provides fully made cassette panels including external doors and windows already installed and M&E systems pre-measured and cut-out. It was therefore critical to get these details correct from the start, so the timber frame was dispatched on time to meet key site deadlines and ensure the school was ready for the term start.

The primary school was built on a new housing estate which was still in construction. This meant coordination with the housing developer and associated housing contractors was critical to ensuring a safe and efficient delivery for both, the new school and housing development, ensuring business as usual was maintained for local residents and associated roadways.

The Solution

Aligned with the fabric-first design intent, the Streif panelised timber frame solution was adopted for its myriad benefits over traditional structures including improved U-values, reduced embodied carbon and quicker watertightness; while leveraging experience from previous Streif projects.

Seamless coordination with the supply chain was critical to maintaining the ambitious programme. Numerous coordination meetings were executed with MEP, stairs and groundwork specialists, ensuring a fully coordinated design, manufactured and delivered on-time. This meticulous planning enabled a seamless ‘soft landings’ approach with FF&E and IT specialists, guaranteeing the school was fully operational for the new term start.

The local SHE Manager, supported by the project manager and delivery team ensured MSC’s 100% Safe culture was implemented through a Safety Action Group and Health & Safety pledge.

Coordinated liaison and communication through regular progress meetings with the housing developer and associated housing contractors. In addition, there was a controlled gate person and wheel washing for all vehicles to ensure the access and surrounding roads were kept clean. A comprehensive traffic management plan ensured ‘just in time’ deliveries, while large directional signage helped deliveries follow the designated route and avoid the local school and minor roads through the new estate.

The Results

Championing the ‘fabric first’ design philosophy, the Streif system resulted in exceptional environmental performance with an air test rating of 1.90m3/(h.m2)@50Pa.

The proactive approach ensured timely delivery of the timber frame; subsequently meeting key deadline dates.

The project achieved ‘Perfect Delivery’, meaning it was delivered 100% Safe, on-time, within budget, and to a delighted customer.

Successfully achieved a CCS score of 43/45 – receiving ‘Excellent’ across all criteria including ‘Respect the Community.’

7

Number of apprentices

81%

SME Spend

£1,676,239.00

Added Value

9/10

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Legacy

34 SMEs (89% local spend) ; 68% labour (local)

14 beneficiaries, 6 jobs created, 32.5 trainee weeks

School’s engagement: 281 students/ 92 hours

T-Level student from Havant & South Downs College

57% social value created

Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill and timber responsibly sourced

37.5 tonnes of CO2e saved through our 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge

44 tonnes of CO2e saved from emissions (Scopes 1,2 and 3)

47kg/ 100k turnover carbon footprint (against 454kg target)

Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 43/45

Aftercare

Soft landings for handover

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times

Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms