Thomas Deacon Academy

Client: Thomas Deacon Academy 
Location:
 Cambridge
Involvement: RIBA Stage 1-7
Type: New Build and Internal alterations
Value: £Confidential
Contract Type: TBC

Key Project Notes:

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Collaboration

3D laser and Drone Surveys

The need for the extension to Thomas Deacon Academy has been generated to provide better breakout and social spaces within the school building. However, the existing refectory is located on first floor, therefore to maximise the projects potential while resolving other spatial difficulties within the academy, it was decided to utilise the ground floor and second floor for additional teaching and administration spaces. This also maintained the overall mass and façade of the building to respond to the buildings existing architectural language. It must be highlighted that as a result of this extension there will be no addition pupil or staff numbers.  This extension is to provide addition teaching and administration spaces to free up other areas within the academy to provide better and improved teaching environments following the growth of pupil numbers over time.

The overall aesthetic of the building is important and has been a major factor in the design and layout of the proposed extension. The rhythm of the existing building curves, massing and materials pallet has been a contributing factor to the overall appearance, form and scale. The ground floor of the proposal has been ‘cut back’ to maintain access to the community entrance and key plantroom.

Templeman Design provided full multi disciplinary design services utilising drone and 3d laser scanning from the outset to develop the scheme using Building Information Modelling (BIM). The  modelling and collaborative experience we find has been instrumental in the delivery of projects, especially complex projects such as this. With the combination of Drone, 3d Laser Scanning and REVIT modelling tool we were able to make finite decisions regarding the critical levels and connections to the existing building. Having a detailed model from the outset also enable the client to appreciate the proposal in greater detail and achieve key stakeholder sign off quicker. The detailed model with embedded structural framing enabled precise routing and coordination of all disciplines, leading to enhanced design quality and project risk reduction. Our skills and experience in this field allow us to lead and educate our Clients, fellow team members and peers as Lead Designer and Coordinator on our projects, ultimately leading to greater project success.