Fawood Children's Centre, Wembley, London

Project information

The £2.3m nursery is constructed from a mesh coated steel frame with a brightly coloured roof, within which is a three-storey arrangement of recycled sea containers linked by wooden decking. The mesh frame forms the exterior of the building and allows children to play outside but within the safety of the mesh exterior structure.

There are trees and flower borders within this area, together with a tree house, science garden and soft play area. Teachers say there has been a noticeable reduction in coughs and colds amongst the children and that attention spans have markedly improved as a result of the fresh air.

Of course, there were enormous challenges for Durkan Limited in constructing such an unusual building with a range of materials and building techniques never used together before.

We were dealing with sub-contractors unfamiliar with this type of project and with untried materials. But our can-do approach and reputation for positive and friendly relationships with clients and suppliers stood us in good stead as always.

Client Details

Client:

Stonebridge Housing Action Trust
Kassinga House
37-41 Winchelsea Road
London NW10 8UN

Form of Contract:

JCT 1998 with Contractors Design

Contract Value:

£2.3m

Professional Team

Architect:

Alsop Architects
Parkgate Studio
42 Parkgate Road
London SW11 4NP

Quantity Surveyor/Planning Supervisor:

Calford Seaden
St Johns House
1A Knoll Rise
Orpington
Kent BR6 0JX