Another Homelodge for the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Article By: Felix Bolger
29/09/2008 - 03:27:44
At the beginning of January 2007 we were contacted by Matthew Read, the then Deputy Headteacher of Latchmere Junior School, following a referral by Royal Borough of Kingston Council.
The Infant and Junior schools were amalgamating leading to a requirement for a new Staff Room. An existing building would need to be demolished and replaced by a much larger modular building to house up to 144 staff.With the aid of our in-house design team a plan evolved to create a timber building measuring 13.2m x 12m – effectively two Twyford units abutted together with a central supporting beam, providing a large open plan space with two kitchens, both with two sinks, floor and wall units and spaces for ovens, fridges and dishwashers. Also provision of two w/c’s and a lobby area. The addition of Velux roof lights allow a flood of light into the centre area of the room. Part of the design brief was for access to be provided from the main school through to the new building and this was done by creating a linked corridor.
Other building companies were approached but refused to be involved because of access difficulties which were exacerbated by the proximity of the existing buildings on site and trees. With our unique modular system we were able to overcome these problems.
The building was delivered to site on the 8th January 2008 with completion within six weeks, on time and on budget.
Jane Johnston, the now Deputy Headteacher of Latchmere Junior School, made the following comments about their ‘Homelodge Experience’:-
“During 2007-8 the Latchmere Infant and Latchmere Junior Schools amalgamated into the newly formed Latchmere School of 682 children and 144 staff.
The new staffroom was to be an integral part of the amalgamation as we were bringing together two different staffs and this was a very important part of a positive amalgamation
From the very moment that we contacted Homelodge the service was excellent.
Homelodge consultants and experts provided us with comprehensive draft plans and ideas, designs and resources with which to start planning the design of our building on the inside and outside.
Because of their flexibility it allowed us to achieve all our requirements.
The building is aesthetically pleasing on the inside and the outside and is always greeted with gasps of envy and admiration from visiting educationalists;
‘How lucky are you’
‘How did you get this – our staffroom is horrible’
‘Wow this shows how much the staff are valued’
‘Amazing’ ‘Brilliant’
‘Can’t believe how big it is’
‘What a stunning building’
‘Love the wood all around the room and the units are fabulous’
The two kitchen areas are fully fitted and we love them – it means that large numbers of staff can access the area at any given time, to create their wonderful meals.
The light from all the windows, doors and skylights, allows the room to be light and airy at all times and therefore welcoming.
The building fitted in perfectly with the school surroundings immediately.”
H Home from home
O Obviously a superior building in all respects
M Many amazing features – kitchens, seating, café area, facilities
E Everything we expected
L Lots of gasps of admiration from staff and visitors
O Open and airy, light and spacious
D Deep discussions with the consultants provided us with an excellent service
G Gorgeous wooden building
E Exceptional
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