Project Description
Newfield SEN School – New Extension
Complete M&E Installation
A coordinated, lower-carbon M&E scheme creating a comfortable, controllable learning environment.
Thompsons successfully delivered the comprehensive Mechanical and Electrical engineering installation for a new five classroom extension at Newfield SEN School. The project created additional teaching space to help the school continue to deliver exceptional education and support for its growing community
Project Overview
Working alongside Walter Carefoot & Sons Construction Ltd, the £750,000 scheme brought electrical and mechanical services into one coordinated installation.
The result is a modern SEN learning space designed around comfort, safety, efficient operation and readiness for the school’s new intake – with carbon performance considered across the building services, not treated as a stand-alone feature.
A fully coordinated M&E package
Electrical: replacement distribution boards, switchroom modifications, integral metering, general and specialist power, LED lighting and controls, emergency lighting with local test facilities, data, fire alarm integration, intruder alarm and proximity access control.
Mechanical: heating and domestic-water adaptations, three new underfloor-heating manifolds, local isolation and drain points, accessible thermostatic mixing valves, insulated pipework, Windhive ventilation, AHUs, acoustic attenuation and BMS controls.
Client: Newfield SEN School
Principal Contractor: Carefoot
Project: Five Classroom newbuild extension
Project Duration: 6 months
Scope: Full Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering
Value: £750,000
Designing carbon reduction into the learning environment
At the heart of the environmental strategy is Ventive Windhive technology: natural ventilation with heat recovery developed for schools and commercial buildings. Wind and buoyancy drive the airflow, avoiding fan energy for the core ventilation process, while low-power CO2 and temperature sensing supports indoor-air-quality monitoring and system control. The product can recover up to 75% of heat from outgoing air, helping retain warmth and reduce heating demand.
That approach interacts with the wider M&E scheme. Insulated pipework limits distribution losses; new underfloor-heating manifolds provide zoned heat delivery; integral electrical metering improves visibility; and intelligent lighting reduces demand when spaces are unoccupied or daylight is available.
Efficient, adaptable lighting
New LED lighting was installed throughout classrooms, circulation areas, entrances, WCs and associated spaces. DALI and Vitesse Plus controls add presence and absence detection, dimming, scene setting and daylight linking, allowing light levels to respond to occupancy and the activity taking place.
Ventilation, control and acoustic comfort
Air-handling units serves the extension alongside the Windhive strategy.
A BMS panel with TREND software and touchscreen control brings plant operation into an accessible interface, while Caice attenuation was designed to manage fan-borne and crosstalk noise – an important consideration in a calm, focused learning environment.
Key benefits for Newfield SEN School
A better learning environment: fresh air, stable temperatures, controllable lighting and acoustic treatment support comfortable teaching spaces.
Lower operational demand: heat recovery, natural ventilation, efficient LED lighting, presence control, daylight linking, variable-speed fans and insulated services work together to reduce avoidable energy use.
Safe and secure: coordinated fire alarm, emergency lighting, intruder detection and access control strengthen life-safety and site security.
Easier to manage: BMS supervision, integral metering, local test facilities, labelled services and local isolation points simplify operation, monitoring and future maintenance.
Local delivery and lasting social value
The project created social value through apprentice involvement and use of the local supply chain. It gave developing tradespeople meaningful experience on a technically integrated education project while keeping project spend and skills development closer to the community.
FEEDBACK
Anthony Slater QS Carefoot said
Another successful project carried out alongside E Thompson and won’t be the last. Special shoutout to Jake, Dean & Connor on site for pushing the job on site, all working towards our common goal of getting the school ready for the new intake of kids
GALLERY
