AMR Consult Varndean College Extensions

Construction minimized disruption, with waterproofing and system integration.

Work Details

Client Name: AMR Consult

Project Type: Demolition, New Build and Refurbishment

Contract Date: 2024

Location: The Varndean College, Brighton

Property Types: Education

Scope of Works

Ensigna Construction delivered two mirrored Quad Infill extensions at Varndean College, Brighton, totalling 412m² of new teaching space. The project involved demolition, new-build construction, and full internal fit-out, including classrooms, seminar rooms, breakout areas, and gender-neutral WCs. Built in a live college environment, the scheme required careful scheduling, noise control, and access management. Specialist installations included HVR ventilation, underfloor heating, cavity drain waterproofing, and advanced AV integration. Completed on time and within budget, the project provided high-quality, sustainable spaces that enhance teaching and learning. The client praised Ensigna’s professionalism, delivery, and minimal disruption to college operations.

The Challenges

Working in a live college environment demanded meticulous planning to minimize disruption during operational hours, with measures such as noise suppression and restricted working hours in place. Safety was prioritized through the management of deliveries and contractor access by two dedicated banksmen during peak student times. In the basement and substructure works, a Type C Cavity Drain system was implemented to provide reliable drainage and long-term water resistance, with close coordination between construction and structural teams to address challenges posed by existing ground conditions. Additionally, the integration of FF&E and specialist systems, including teaching walls and interactive boards, required seamless collaboration between the construction team and client representatives to ensure all educational equipment met the necessary functionality and performance standards.

Results

Executing construction within a live college environment required precise coordination to avoid disrupting daily operations, necessitating measures such as restricted working hours and noise control. To ensure safety during busy student periods, two banksmen managed all deliveries and contractor access. In addressing the basement and substructure, a Type C Cavity Drain system was employed to achieve effective water management and long-term resistance, while collaboration with structural teams helped mitigate risks from pre-existing ground conditions. Furthermore, the successful coordination and integration of FF&E and specialist systems—such as interactive boards and teaching walls—demanded close communication between the construction and client teams to meet the functional and technical requirements of the educational spaces.

Performance Summary

Live Environment Coordination

Construction was carefully scheduled to minimize disruption, with noise control and restricted hours. Two banksmen managed deliveries and contractor access to ensure safety during peak student times.

Basement and Substructure Works

A Type C Cavity Drain system provided effective drainage and water resistance. Coordination with structural teams helped address challenges from existing ground conditions.

FF&E and Systems Integration:

Installing teaching walls, interactive boards, and other systems required close collaboration between the construction and client teams to meet functional and performance standards.

Client Testimonial

Varndean College

AMR Consult

Ensigna Construction exhibited exemplary professionalism and expertise throughout the project. Their ability to manage construction within an operational college environment ensured minimal disruption. The new Quad Infill extensions have greatly enhanced our facilities and will serve as a vital resource for years to come.