SIPS EcoBuild Case Study: Shantona Children’s Centre, Leeds.

SIPS EcoBuild create new first floor without new foundations, with maximum space.

Name of Project:
Shantona Children’s Centre, first floor extension and refurbishment.

Type of Project:
Upward extension above simple day centre. Clad in interesting ‘Trespa’ composite panels.

Location:
Shantona Children’s Centre, off Roundhay Road, Leeds.

The Project Brief:
An ugly, simple 1980s style single storey building housed the children’s nursery; more space was needed for activities and ancillary accommodation. Different building systems were investigated, but when the budget was sliced by one third; SIPS EcoBuild came up with the perfect solution. The works were time constrained by a six week close down period through September and October 2010 and access via the main entrance had to be maintained due to it servicing other buildings.

A SIPS Solution:
Using SIPS lightweight panels the construction benefits included:-

• No work being required to existing foundations.
• As only a single skin was required, a smaller steel beam could be used.
• The slender wall thickness of only 220mm made the inside usable area larger.
• The roof space has been used to accommodate a simple truss; this braces the walls and supports the roof.
• Savings on time and materials meant that the revised budget could be achieved.
• Extremely good U values were achieved against comparable building methods and creating lower running costs.

On-site with SIPS EcoBuild:
SIPS EcoBuild installed a simple FinnForest Floor as a working platform and were able to make the building a watertight SIPS structure within four days. Follow on trades such as windows, the Sarnafil roof covering, electricians and heating engineers were quickly installing prior to the plasterers moving in.
The external walls were finished in brightly coloured Trespa composite panels which were simply fixed battens directly on the SIPS – the colours represent a new dawn rising for the centre.  

Credits:
Architects/Project Managers – David Yeadon Ltd., Rodley, Leeds
Main Contractor – Aspect Building Solutions Ltd., Gildersome, near Leeds.

Further SIPS EcoBuild Solutions:
This style of SIPS building can be used for:-

• Above garage extensions – no need to reinforce foundations.
• Above a single skin wall building – floor acts as a structural diaphragm.
• Situations where a slender wall is required to maximise foot print and usable floor area.
• Quick solution – around shut down times such as school holidays.
• Simple warm building required efficiently.
• Access space limited.
• Lightweight structure a factor.

If you have such a challenge please contact us or call on 0808 108 0974.

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