August 2008 saw a milestone reached with the formal handing over of keys by Graham Construction to the new Maddiston Primary School in Falkirk, Scotland.

The event took on special significance given that nine months before the ‘almost completed’ school was partially destroyed by fire.

McCarey Simmonds were responsible for the structural engineering design of the superstructure of this two-storey timber framed primary school (5,108m2) which was constructed on a greenfield site.

The two storey school stands as a model of sustainable construction having been built using a host of notable sustainability techniques. All timber in the project, including the substantial timber framing is from 100% Sustainably Certified Timber sources under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) scheme. The block work used is a recycled Enviroblock, the walls are treated with recycled newspaper insulation and the playground surface is made from 100% recycled tyre rubber.

The sedum grass ‘green roof’ provides green ecological space and acts as a natural water retainer, thus minimising the risk of flooding. This blends effortlessly with local stone which was used for the façade with traditional Lime mortar.

McCarey Simmonds, as structural and civil engineers, assist architect and educational specialist Mark Dudek on a new Childrens Centre at Yiewsley Baptist Church, Yiewsley, West Drayton, London. McCarey Simmonds are responsible for the superstructure design and the substructure foundation, below ground drainage and external hard landscaping design.

McCarey Simmonds, as structural and civil engineers, assist architect and educational specialist Mark Dudek and timber frame manufacturers, Build it Green in the delivery of a new Childrens Centre at Cherry Lane School, West Drayton, London. McCarey Simmonds are responsible for the superstructure design and the substructure foundation, below ground drainage and external hard landscaping design.

A modern oval shaped design utilising steel and Glulam timber portal framing with external infill structural insulated (SIP) panels forming the roof and walls should ensure a rapid on site construction process.

Summer 2008 saw the handover of the new Linton Park Methodist School in Maidstone to The Medway Educational Trust. McCarey Simmonds were employed by both the trust for the detailed substructure foundation design and by Build-it-Green, specialists in the supply and construction of pre-engineered structural insulated panel building systems, for the detailed superstructure design. Architecture was by Brighton firm, Folkes Architects.

Construction on site is in full swing as McCarey Simmonds and OFP Timber Engineering, assist Graham Construction in delivering a 420 pupil two storey primary school in Falkirk, Scotland for end client, Falkirk Council.