Arborfield School Arborfield School Berkshire Re-Format’s new £33m secondary school for Wokingham Borough Council, located on the former Arborfield Garrison as part of a wider regeneration project to provide up to 3,000 new homes. The new two storey building is centred around two ‘community barns’ used for assembly, performance, dining and shared learning. Teaching wings extend into the landscape from either side of the barns, creating learning and social courtyards. The structural frame solution comprises both glu-laminated timber and steel, with teaching spaces designed to have exposed concrete ceilings. The detailed design and coordination of the exposed structural elements was one of the main challenges during the development of the construction documentation. BIM (Building Information Modelling; 3D computer aided design) was crucial for the coordination of all these structural elements within the challenging construction program. The BIM process was essential for the collaboration between architects, structural engineers and manufacturers. “The Re-Format team at Arborfield provided us with timely answers and architectural details as issues came up on site. At each turn of the construction process they provided timely answers to our technical questions, which allowed the project to drive forward without delay. They have a good eye for the detailing which is crucial in modern design to support a very complex project.” Fiona Alston – Dawnus Construction “Dawnus had the pleasure of working with Re-Format on our Arborfield Secondary School Project. From a main contractor’s perspective, successful delivery of a project can often rely on the architect’s support & collaborative involvement. “ Richard Saxton, MCIM – Dawnus
