Project Background
Hillview School for Girls in Tonbridge required a comprehensive refurbishment programme to improve the external envelope and internal fire safety measures within key buildings on the campus. The works focused on the Canteen and IT Block, where existing external cladding and building elements had reached the end of their service life and required replacement with modern, non-combustible systems.
Inspire Contract Services were appointed to undertake the project, with a full-time non-working site manager overseeing all aspects of the works to ensure safe coordination and quality control throughout the programme. Given the educational setting and the need to minimise disruption to school operations, careful planning and close communication with the client were essential.
The refurbishment programme aimed to enhance both the external performance of the buildings and the internal fire safety provisions, providing a modernised, compliant and durable solution for the school.
Initial strip-out works involved the removal of the existing timber cladding system, insulation and windows. These elements were replaced with a modern non-combustible façade solution designed to improve durability, thermal performance and fire safety. Internal works were then carried out to enhance fire protection and improve the overall internal finish within the buildings.
Client
Hillview School for Girls
Sector
Education
Location
Tonbridge, Kent
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The Works
The scope of works included both external refurbishment and internal fire safety improvements to the Canteen and IT Block buildings:
External works included:
- Removal of existing timber cladding, insulation and windows
- Installation of a new Cedral non-combustible cladding system with upgraded insulation
- Installation of new aluminium windows
- Installation of new fascias, soffits and rainwater goods (RWGS) to complete the building envelope refurbishment.
Internal works included:
- Supply & installation of new fire-rated plasterboard ceilings, followed by full redecoration
- Installation of fire curtains and fire barriers within the loft void areas to improve compartmentation.
- Installation of additional loft insulation to improve thermal efficiency.
- Replacement of existing internal doors with FD30S fire-rated door sets within the canteen area.
The Result
The completed refurbishment works have significantly enhanced both the external appearance and internal fire safety performance of the Canteen and IT Block at Hillview School for Girls. The newly installed Cedral cladding system provides a durable, low-maintenance façade while delivering improved fire resistance and thermal performance for the buildings. The replacement aluminium windows, together with new fascias, soffits and rainwater goods, complete the upgraded building envelope and contribute to a more modern and resilient external finish.
Internally, the installation of fire-rated plasterboard ceilings, fire curtains and fire barriers within the loft voids has improved the overall level of compartmentation across the buildings. These measures help ensure the facilities now meet modern fire safety standards, while the replacement FD30S fire-rated door sets provide compliant protection within key circulation areas of the canteen building.
Additional loft insulation has improved the thermal efficiency of the buildings while internal redecoration works have refreshed the appearance of the refurbished spaces. Inspire’s full-time non-working site manager also ensured that the works were delivered safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the day-to-day operation of the school.
Overall, the project has delivered a comprehensive upgrade to both the external fabric and internal safety provisions of the buildings, providing Hillview School for Girls with modernised facilities that are safer, more efficient and better suited to the needs of the school community.
