The Brighter Choice
Birchwood Community High School in Warrington is an aspirational and vibrant school with approximately 1,100 unique students aged 11 and 18.
As a 35 year old building whose electrical infrastructure had not been improved during that time, there was much to be done when funding was gained through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), which allows academies, sixth-form colleges and non-diocesan VA schools to apply for capital funding through central Government.
Phase 1 of this work includes extensive electrical improvements in the school’s sports hall, kitchens, offices and externally.
Site Manager at Birchwood Community High School Peter Bolton says: “Some areas presented unique challenges because of the way in which rooms are used at the school. For example, the sports hall needs to achieve very different light levels when it is being used for sports compared to when it is being used for pupils to take exams. NVC’s lighting designers worked with us to determine the products we needed to provide appropriate light levels and performance and we are really pleased with the results.”
Ten types of NVC Lighting fittings were installed at Birchwood Community High School totalling more than 350 products.
For example, in the sports hall and gym 45 Oregon, IK09, IP20 rated industrial luminaires were used and 129 Sterling, IP44, TP(a) rated edge lit, LED recessed modular panels were installed in classrooms and corridors.
We were able to meet the of requirement of the Tp(a) specification of Part B of the Building Regulations with our Sterling LED panel, which provides the optimum safety for thermo plastics where in the event of exposure to fire it self-extinguishes in less than 5 secs.
Birchwood Community High School’s CIF bid was secured in partnership with specialist property consultancy E3 Cube. NVC’s lighting products were specified by them throughout this project.
E3 Cube Senior Chartered Building Surveyor Peter Buck says: “As a professional practice specialising in the design and delivery of construction projects such as the Electrical Safety and Statutory Compliance works at Birchwood, it is essential products and components used represent good value for money for the client. NVC Lighting offers a wide range of fittings for educational purposes to the quality required at a fair cost.”
