Neath Port Talbot

The offsite solution 

An offsite solution was chosen as it minimised disruption at the live education sites. Blaenhonddan Primary School nursery unit and classroom facility and Ysgol Hendrefelin consisted of 3 bespoke SmartClass® modules each. These single-storey modular facilities feature a spacious, open-plan classroom with a wet area, a dedicated quiet room, and ample storage and cleaning facilities. The buildings are designed to be fully self-contained, including accessible facilities and age-appropriate toilets.  

Crymlyn Primary School consisted of 5 bespoke SmartClass® modules, creating a double classroom facility, providing spacious classrooms with a 50/50 split between carpet and vinyl flooring to facilitate a variety of lesson types. Each classroom has direct access to restroom facilities, adding convenience and functionality for students and teachers. 

Additional Works 

To enhance the site surroundings and functionality, McAvoy completed additional works across all four project locations including the reduction of levels to the playground, fencing adjustments to enhance security and retaining walls. At Blaenhonddan Primary School, McAvoy installed a cantilever canopy to seamlessly connect the new modular nursery extension to the existing school building.  

Site improvements at Crymlyn Primary included full ground works, sustainable drainage, and the installation of an external platform lift to support accessibility across the site’s two levels. For Blaenhonddan Primary and Ysgol Hendrefelin, McAvoy also provided surface-mounted foundations, service connections, fencing, ramps, and steps, ensuring the new modular buildings were seamlessly integrated with the existing school environments. 

Project Challenges 

The projects were all delivered during term time within live school environments. McAvoy ensured that work was completed safely, on time and took school restrictions into consideration.  

Several sites had a considerable level difference which needed careful consideration. McAvoy fully designed the sites in 3D to assist with client approval, considering site levels, critical access points, retaining walls, playground surfacing and fencing. The result was a well-formed extension seamlessly connected with the existing school and play spaces. At Crymlyn Primary school, a platform lift was installed to ensure the building was accessible for all.

Access to the sites was very constrained, so McAvoy implemented traffic management measures to facilitate delivery of the modules into very tight sites. All-wheel steer trailers were utilised to ensure the modules could be safely navigated into the sites.  

Blaenhonddan had significant flood risk, and so McAvoy designed the building to be raised above the flood plain by 300mm to prevent risk of future damage.  

Harnessing Sustainability 

The four projects were equipped with highly efficient A+ rated air-to-air source heating and cooling systems, alongside various sustainability features designed to minimise environmental impact and maximise energy efficiency. These features include advanced ceiling panel infra-red heaters, to provide targeted heating while optimising energy consumption. 

Crymlyn Primary School also incorporated a sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS), which includes a permeable asphalt playground, Grasscrete pathways, raised rain garden planters collecting runoff from downpipes, water butts, and a geocellular soakaway. McAvoy managed both the design and application process with the SuDS Approval Board (SAB). The drainage system has been designed to withstand a 1 in a 100-year storm event (+40% climate change allowance) with the ultimate purpose to minimise risk from future flood events. 

Social value 

Crymlyn Primary School was registered under the Considerate Constructors Scheme and achieved full marks in the audit, showcasing McAvoy’s commitment to positive community engagement and environmental responsibility. Proactive communication strategies were employed to keep local residents informed about key project milestones and to address concerns. McAvoy also implemented environmentally friendly initiatives and effective measures to reduce carbon emissions and energy waste on site, further reinforcing its dedication to sustainable practices.