Orchards Academy for BAM Construction
Westcoast Windows was pleased to supply Swedish designed and manufactured composite windows and doors for a new education facility in Kent, for BAM Construction.
BAM UK & Ireland has completed the teaching facilities at the new £32.8 million Orchards Academy in Swanley, Kent. The project accommodates 750 students and provides 6,214 m² of modern, sustainable teaching and sports facilities.
The academy features hundreds of solar panels to reduce energy use and costs, along with a green roof that enhances environmental performance and supports biodiversity. BAM has also employed low-carbon concrete and recycled materials during construction, cutting carbon emissions by 133 tonnes.
Composite windows for schools and academies
Westcoast was pleased to supply 943 m² composite windows for the development:
- Triple-glazed composite windows
- ‘Typical’ window comprises 3 openers, 1 large fixed unit and louvre with openers sized in conjunction with M&E to provide the required ventilation area
- Windows used: Top hung reversible, Top hung projecting & Fixed lights
- Commercial doors integrated into screens with window units
The window specification is a proven design, previously used in other BAM Construction projects, such as Stone Lodge School and Heathside School.
The composite window solution supports the sustainability goals of the development, with U-values as low as 0.9 W/m²k for fixed lights, timber sourced from sustainable forests, and windows finished in environmentally friendly water-based paint.
Composite windows for schools and academies
Westcoast Windows has a long history of working with BAM Construction, supplying Swedish composite windows for many of their school, academy and commercial developments.
BAM used a ‘kit-of-parts’ construction solution throughout the structure and external fabric of the building to help deliver the teaching accommodation nine weeks ahead of programme and in time for the start of the new school year. Close collaboration with the school was essential to maintain continuity, with daily management of the live environment and sensitive phasing of works to minimise disruption, particularly during exam periods.
Images credit: BAM Construction
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