Biodiversity Enhancement

• Internal Green Features: Introduced indoor green walls in key communal areas, such as corridors and common rooms, using plant species that improve air quality and create a more vibrant and healthy environment for students and staff.
• Sustainable Landscaping: Refreshed the exterior surroundings with new planting schemes that included native flora, enhancing the outdoor learning and recreational spaces with biodiversity-friendly features that attract local wildlife.

Carbon Reduction

• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Upgraded all classrooms, corridors, and offices with LED lighting systems, reducing energy consumption and providing better quality lighting for educational activities.
• Insulation and Window Upgrades: Enhanced the thermal performance of the building by installing high-performance insulation in walls and ceilings. Replaced outdated windows with double-glazed units, improving energy efficiency and comfort throughout the refurbished areas.
• Sustainable Materials: Used eco-friendly and low-carbon materials for all refurbishment works, including non-toxic paints, recycled flooring materials, and sustainably sourced timber for interior finishes.

Future Climate Change Resilience:

• Improved Ventilation Systems: Installed state-of-the-art ventilation systems in classrooms and offices to ensure better air quality and temperature control. These systems were designed to cope with increasing temperatures and reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling.
• Resilient Infrastructure: Retrofitted the building envelope with upgraded waterproofing and weather-resistant finishes, ensuring the refurbished areas are resilient to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and high winds.

Technical Details:

• Live School Environment: Conducted the refurbishment works during the summer break and after-school hours to minimise disruption. This included careful scheduling of noisy or disruptive tasks and ensuring safe access for students and staff at all times.
• Comprehensive Upgrades: The refurbishment included a full electrical overhaul, with new power distribution systems, modern data cabling for enhanced IT infrastructure, and the installation of SMARTboards in all classrooms. Offices were refurbished with ergonomic furniture and modernised layouts to improve staff working conditions.
• Accessibility and Safety: Upgraded all refurbished areas with DDA-compliant features, including widened doorways, accessible toilets, and ramps. Enhanced fire safety systems with new alarms, sprinklers, and fire-rated doors in line with the latest regulations.

Standard Achieved

• BREEAM Rating: The refurbishment aimed to achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, emphasizing sustainability in all aspects of the project. This included energy-efficient upgrades, improved indoor environmental quality, and the use of sustainable materials throughout the refurbishment.

Why the Case Study is Relevant

The Oasis Secondary School refurbishment demonstrates our expertise in delivering comprehensive upgrades within a live educational environment, balancing the need for modernisation with the school’s operational continuity. The project highlights our commitment to sustainability, with significant carbon reduction measures and climate resilience features integrated throughout the refurbishment. By creating healthier and more efficient learning and working environments, we provided East Kent Colleges with a facility that meets modern standards while reducing its environmental impact. This case study exemplifies our ability to execute complex refurbishment and retrofit projects that advance educational institutions’ sustainability and operational goals.