News

McGoff & Byrne toasts two prestigious award wins

9th June 2008

McGoff & Byrne Ltd, the leading North West construction company, has been presented with two high profile construction awards in just two consecutive days, following the successful completion of Navigation Road Primary School, in Altrincham.

McGoff & Byrne was awarded the Best Practice Award at the North West Regional Construction Awards 2008, which recognises the excellence of key projects in region and showcases McGoff & Byrne's involvement in the rebuilding of Navigation Road Primary School.

The company also received the Sustainability Award at the RICS North West Awards 2008. Known as the property 'Oscars', these awards reward innovative schemes and developments from across North West which make a real contribution to the region and celebrate achievements in the built environment.

Briefed by Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council to replace the Edwardian school which had been deemed beyond repair with a new school on the existing site, the McGoff & Byrne design team worked closely with the school and Local Authority to meet the brief and provide a dramatically improved state-of-the-art facility.

Within the 57 week time-frame and budget of £4.25m McGoff & Byrne Ltd transformed the site into a magnificent school campus which comprises two main linked buildings and boasts a number of innovative design finishes.

One particular striking feature is the large vents along the roof with their 'cardinals hats' shape which allow fresh air into the classrooms to control temperatures.

Great lengths were also taken to ensure the new hall offered multiple uses, including a timber sprung floor so that sporting activities can be fully enjoyed, high level windows with electric operated blinds for blackout effect for performances and acoustic panels lining the upper walls to allow the space to be used as an auditorium.

The whole building is naturally ventilated, reviving the Victorian empirical solutions that were a feature of the old school. Designed with high profile energy saving measures, such as a wind turbine that re-uses rain water saved on the roof, the school is eco-friendly both to save on fuel bills and as a teaching aid to the next generation.

Designed by Ansell & Bailey Architects, Senior Partner Charles Shorland says: "Following the Navigation Road Primary School project winning the national 'Green Apple' Gold Award last year for sustainability, these two new awards further recognise the hard work and commitment from the whole team involved, including the client Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, the headteacher, pupils and parents, the design team and all contractors, who together delivered this project on time and on budget.

"All involved agreed that it was a most enjoyable, educational and rewarding project – helping future generations identify and value the precious resources on our planet and the need to conserve them," continues Charles.

James McGoff, Managing Director at McGoff & Byrne, comments: "We are thrilled to have been presented with these two prestigious construction awards for Navigation Road Primary School. It is a fantastic achievement for the company and clearly demonstrates our commitment to quality construction, superior design, sustainability and innovation."

McGoff & Byrne Ltd is a privately owned construction and development company operating primarily in the North West. It has an unrivalled record of delivering projects safely, on time and within budget and has cemented a strong reputation as one of the leading construction partners to Local Authorities and Stakeholders within the education sector.