Creating Nottingham High School’s Wellbeing Centre

Timeframe: 28 Weeks

Project Value: £1,200,000

Client: Nottingham High School

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Creating a Space for Wellness and Care.

Vaughandale Construction are honoured to have undertaken the transformation of the “White House”, a historic listed building at Nottingham High School, into a modern Wellbeing Centre. The project aimed to provide a versatile and nurturing environment, incorporating counselling spaces, a flexible fitness room, physio rooms, spirituality space, and a medical suite, alongside tranquil outdoor spaces.

This centre was designed not only to meet the physical and emotional needs of students but also to blend seamlessly with the school’s historic charm, respecting its listed status while introducing contemporary functionality.

Overcoming Site Challenges.

As a grade II listed building in a busy school environment, this project presented unique challenges. Meticulous care was required during construction to ensure the heritage aspects of the property were preserved. Vaughandale worked closely with architects and engineers to design and implement structural steel installations, internal finishes, and external works, all while navigating the constraints of a bustling campus.

The project’s success hinged on completing the works within a strict timeframe and adhering to the school’s finite budget. Careful planning and a collaborative approach ensured the project was delivered on schedule, ready for the start of the new school term.

A unique provision to support our students’ individual wellbeing needs. The centre is already a fantastic asset to all that use it.

Nottingham High School Representative

A Focus on Accessibility and Outdoor Serenity.

The Wellbeing Centre is as much about creating a welcoming environment as it is about meeting practical needs. Vaughandale prioritised accessibility and tranquility through thoughtful design:

Ramped access and a new car park area ensure ease of movement for all visitors.
A platform lift spanning three levels enhances inclusivity, providing seamless access throughout the building.
The creation of a tranquil garden with paved seating areas, a pergola, pebble seating, and a water feature offers students and staff a peaceful space to relax and recharge.
A new automated access gate with site-wide access control ensures both security and ease of entry.

These features transform the Wellbeing Centre into a space that fosters both physical and mental well-being, supporting Nottingham High School’s mission to care for its students holistically.

Working on a listed building like the White House required a delicate balance between preserving its heritage and integrating modern functionality. The busy school environment added another layer of complexity, but through meticulous planning, close coordination with the client, and careful execution, our team were able to deliver the project on time and within budget. It’s always rewarding to see an historic building like this revitalised to serve such an important purpose for the school community.
Adrian Robb, Project Estimator at Vaughandale Construction

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Solutions.

A key focus of this transformation was incorporating sustainable systems that complemented the building’s listed status while meeting modern efficiency standards. Vaughandale delivered:

A breathable drylining system, preserving the building’s historic materials while improving thermal performance.
Comprehensive electrical installations, including a new fire alarm system, general and emergency lighting, small power connections, and a security alarm.
An energy-efficient wet heating system, paired with heat recovery ventilation to maximise energy savings.
A Building Management System (BMS) for intelligent climate control and energy monitoring.

These systems ensure the Wellbeing Centre is not only functional but also environmentally responsible, meeting the needs of both students and staff while reducing energy consumption.

Excellence in Design and Delivery.

For Vaughandale Construction, the Wellbeing Centre represents our ability to deliver complex projects that balance heritage preservation, contemporary design, and functional needs. The result is a space that not only serves its immediate purpose but also enriches the overall school environment for generations to come.

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