Project challenges
WORKING IN A LIVE SCHOOL
Given that Manor Lodge School is a live environment, meticulous planning and programming were crucial to the success of this project.
Solution: Our team coordinated closely with the school and design team to ensure minimal disruption to daily activities, implementing a strategic approach and a phased completion to allow us to complete the electrical installation efficiently and safely. This careful planning was key to delivering a seamless upgrade, with the live areas being protected and not suffering from a loss of service.
UTILISING EXISTING SERVICES
The project also involved the added complexity of working on the existing fire alarm system, which had to be retained and kept fully operational in the live spaces still in use by the school.
Solution: Our in-house fire alarm department expertly assessed the system and planned the necessary disconnections and re-routing to be carried out outside of school hours. This ensured the school remained fully functional and safe during its operational hours.
UPGRADING THE MAINS
The schools existing incoming electricity supply was insufficient to accommodate the proposed new electrical loads.
Solution: To address this, Darke & Taylor conducted thorough assessments during the design phase and co-ordinated with the local DNO to ensure the application went in on time to meet the programme and the new installation could operate efficiently without compromising the schools electrical demands. Shutdowns took place ‘out of hours’ ensuring a seamless transition for the school with minimal disruption.
RELOCATION OF EXISTING UNDERGROUND SERVICES
A significant challenge of the project was accommodating the new building structure, which required the relocation of existing underground services.
Solution: Comprehensive surveys were conducted to map out exact locations, and designs were meticulously coordinated to divert cables outside the new structures vicinity, mitigating the risk of damage and power outages.
Gallery
“Shutdowns took place ‘out of hours’ ensuring a seamless transition
for the school with minimal disruption.”
