Portland College Manufacturing Centre

Timeframe: 20 Weeks

Project Value: £700,000

Client: Portland College

A New Manufacturing Centre to Empower Learning.

Vaughandale Construction took on an exciting and meaningful project to create a new manufacturing and teaching facility for Portland College. This facility, built within the college’s serene woodland campus, is designed to offer students a safe and welcoming space to develop skills that will help them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

The project was a collaborative effort involving sub-contractors, including Severfield, who donated the steel frame, and Grays Electrical, who managed the mechanical and electrical installations. The overall goal was to deliver a cost-effective and sustainable building that supports the college’s educational mission.

Overcoming Challenges in a Live Educational Setting.

One of the main challenges on this project was working within a live educational environment. Portland College provides day and residential services to individuals with a range of intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as Autism. This required Vaughandale to take special precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of all students and staff.

Careful planning and site management were essential, particularly when it came to managing construction noise and ensuring restricted access to work areas. We remained mindful of the college’s vulnerable population, which includes individuals with sensitivities to loud sounds and disruptions, and worked closely with the college to minimise any potential impacts.

Additionally, working in a woodland area presented challenges that required delicate handling. Vaughandale took great care to avoid disturbing tree roots and wildlife during the excavation process, ensuring that the natural environment surrounding the college was preserved.

It was a pleasure working with Portland College on this prestigious project. From the outset, It was clear to us that the client team had a strong vision of the building they wanted and were committed to achieving it. The team at Portland College brought a collaborative approach to the project, and one that helped us deliver the manufacturing building to their precise specification. The Portland college Campus is a welcoming environment and this project was very rewarding to be involved with. All of the team at VCL look forward to working with the Portland Charity in the future.”

Noel, Managing Director at Vaughandale Construction

Collaborative Partnerships with Subcontractors.

This commercial construction project was notable for the involvement of trusted subcontractors. The steel frame for the facility was generously donated and erected by Severfield.

This donation represented a significant cost saving for Portland College and ensured that the project could move forward within budget.

Sustainable Design in a Natural Setting.

The new facility was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient sustainable materials and construction methods to achieve high thermal performance. The building includes concrete strip foundations that were carefully laid to avoid disrupting tree roots and wildlife. The primary frame consists of portal frames with timber wall construction, meeting structural requirements while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

The building also features aluminium windows and automated doors, which not only enhance security but also contribute to the facility’s durability and energy efficiency. The standing seam metal roof was chosen for its longevity, ensuring that the building remains low-maintenance for years to come.

Social and Environmental Value.

Portland College’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities, helping them to lead more independent lives. The new Manufacturing Centre plays a crucial role in this mission, offering students access to high-quality education and skills training. By constructing a safe and functional learning environment, Vaughandale has contributed to the college’s long-term success and its ability to offer life-changing opportunities to its students.

From an environmental perspective, the project was designed to respect the natural surroundings. The structure blends seamlessly into the woodland setting and uses highly thermally efficient materials, ensuring that it exceeds the required U-values for energy efficiency. This thoughtful approach has enabled the building to remain non-intrusive to the surrounding wildlife while offering long-term sustainability for the college and achieving a carbon negative status.