School of thought

Sustainable building specialist, Cabinco Ltd, has just completed the construction of a high quality sustainable timber building for Manchester Grammar School.

Bexwyke Lodge, a 600m2 building, is the biggest of its kind to be built for educational purposes in the UK; and offers five classrooms fully equipped with the latest multimedia and IT equipment, a staff room, music rooms and a reception area for junior section pupils.

It is the first timber building in the UK to include acoustic attenuation to fully comply with Building Bulletin 93: “Acoustic Design of Schools”. Acoustic management specialists Acoustic Design Ltd were commissioned to develop acoustic attenuation products exclusive to Cabinco Ltd.

Stuart Leeming, deputy high master at Manchester Grammar School, called in Cabinco to design and manufacture the building in partnership with the school. Commenting on the project, Leeming said: “It is a fabulous building; our Cabinco home is the perfect base for our innovative new junior section. Bexwyke Lodge has drawn nothing but praise from all who have visited, impressing with its light, airy interiors, its distinctive exterior and superb quality of finish.” He continued, “Equipped to the highest technical standards, the building is an impressive addition to our estate and one that was delivered on time and within a very tight construction schedule of only four months.”

Beswyke Lodge has been shortlisted for an RICS North West Design and Innovation Award.

Built on a grid of concrete piers, and supported by a glulam base frame, the building uses an 88mm glue-laminated interlocking log structure, fully insulated to comply with and exceed all current building regulations, and clad with larch for durability and low maintenance.

Innovative new components are used to isolate floor from walls, and walls from roof to achieve the high acoustic performance required. The timber building features roof lights and sun tubes to bring in natural light and save energy; together with high specification windows and doors for thermal efficiency and security. The overall design encourages natural ventilation; creating a comfortable, airy learning environment.

Bexwyke Lodge is connected to the main school by a 45m long covered walkway and is surrounded by 600m2 of anti-slip decking made from larch.

Cabinco is a specialist in the supply and construction of logbased sustainable buildings, and works alongside appointed main contractors and architects to achieve a complete construction package. The team at Cabinco has over 30 years’ experience in the timber industry with close links to quality northern European manufacturers to supply custom-made timber buildings.

Cabinco offers a variety of beautifully crafted commercial timber buildings, log cabins, school buildings, lodges, shelters and garden gazebos.

Cabinco Ltd holds FSC and PEFC chain of custody certification, ensuring that timbers are sourced from sustainable forestry.