The Pines, Portland College
Timeframe: 8 Months
Project Value: £1,250,000
Client: Portland College
Transforming accommodation that supports independence, confidence and care.
The project had a clear purpose from the outset. Portland College wanted to create a living environment that would give students more opportunity to develop everyday skills, build confidence and experience a greater level of independence, while still ensuring the right level of support was close at hand.
The completed building now provides two different types of accommodation within one carefully planned facility. One side of the building has been developed into self-contained independent living flats, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. The other side provides nine ensuite bedrooms for students with higher support needs, supported by a communal living area, an accessible kitchen and a sensory room.
The result is a thoughtful and practical refurbishment that has brought an unused building back into meaningful use, creating a space that supports both personal development and day-to-day wellbeing.
A Building With a New Purpose.
The Pines had the potential to become much more than refurbished accommodation. For Portland College, the project was about creating a place where students could take important steps towards greater independence.
The brief called for a sensitive balance between privacy, support and shared space. Some students needed the opportunity to manage more of their own daily routine in a self-contained flat. Others required more support, but still needed the dignity and privacy of their own ensuite room.
Alongside the accommodation, the building also needed to provide communal areas where students could spend time together, an accessible kitchen that could support different physical needs, and a sensory room that could offer a calm and supportive environment.
From the beginning, the project was shaped around how the building would be used by students, staff and support teams once complete.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we prioritise working with local suppliers wherever possible. Vaughandale, based in Mansfield, has been selected to deliver three major capital projects for the charity, demonstrating strong value for money, high-quality workmanship, and the ability to operate effectively within sensitive environments.
They have consistently delivered projects on time and within budget, with a high level of professionalism and attention to detail across their team.
As we continue to develop and enhance our estate, we look forward to building on our relationship with trusted local contractors such as Vaughandale to deliver further high-quality projects.”
Edward Johnstone, Deputy CEO, Portland Charity
Working Carefully Within a Live College Campus.
Portland College remained operational throughout the works, so Vaughandale had to manage construction activity around students, staff, visitors and the day-to-day running of the campus. Deliveries, vehicle movements and material handling all had to be carefully controlled, particularly because of the layout of the site.
The project also required additional sensitivity because of the needs of the students. Some students have sensory sensitivities, meaning noise, vibration and disruption could have a greater impact than they would on a standard construction site.
Vaughandale planned the works with this in mind, managing site activity carefully and working in a way that helped reduce disruption wherever possible.
Responding to the Existing Building.
New bathrooms and ensuites were a key part of the accommodation layout, but creating these facilities required drainage alterations through the existing concrete slab. This had to be carried out in small sections so new connections could be formed carefully and accurately.
The existing roof space also required close attention. Evidence of bats was found in the roof void, which meant a bat survey was needed before works could continue in the affected areas.
These challenges required a flexible and considered approach. Vaughandale worked through the practical constraints of the existing building while keeping the wider programme and campus environment in mind.
Creating Independent and Supported Living Spaces.
The internal layout was reconfigured to create two distinct living environments.
The independent living flats were designed to give students the chance to practise everyday life skills in their own private space. Having their own kitchen and bathroom allows students to build confidence with day-to-day routines such as cooking, cleaning and managing their own accommodation.
The second part of the building was designed for students with higher support needs. This area provides nine private ensuite bedrooms, giving students their own personal space while keeping shared facilities close by.
The communal living area and accessible kitchen help create a sense of community within the building. The rise and fall kitchen worktop improves accessibility, while the sensory room provides a quiet and supportive space for students who may need time away from busier environments.
Together, these spaces give Portland College a flexible accommodation facility that can support students at different stages of their journey.
Designed With Sustainability in Mind.
The building was designed to achieve carbon neutrality once complete, with a number of upgrades made to reduce energy demand and improve long-term efficiency.
Solar panels were installed across both sides of the roof, generating high levels of power for the campus. Heating and hot water are provided by two air source heat pumps rather than gas boilers, with the heating system supported by the solar panel installation.
The building fabric was also upgraded. External walls were over-boarded with 100mm insulated plasterboard, the loft was insulated with 300mm of new rockwool between the joists, and pipework was lagged to help reduce heat loss.
These measures help create a warmer, more efficient and more sustainable building, while supporting Portland College’s wider environmental commitments.
A Project With Lasting Social Value.
For those living in the independent flats, the accommodation provides a stepping stone towards life beyond college. Students can practise everyday tasks, build routines and gain confidence in a safe and familiar environment.
For students in the supported accommodation, the building offers privacy, dignity and comfort, while also providing shared spaces that encourage interaction and community.
The project has transformed an unused building into a place with a clear social purpose. It supports independence, wellbeing and personal growth, while giving Portland College a facility that can respond to the different needs of its students.
The Completed Accommodation.
It brings together independent living, supported accommodation, accessible shared spaces and energy-saving features within one carefully refurbished building.
For Vaughandale, The Pines demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver sensitive refurbishment works in a specialist education setting. The project required careful logistics, student-focused planning, technical problem-solving and a strong understanding of the environment in which the works were being delivered.
Most importantly, it has given Portland College a renewed building that will support students as they develop confidence, life skills and greater independence