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Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, Mezzanine

Leeds, UK

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Providing additional space within an existing building

We led a project to construct a complex new mezzanine floor above the main hall at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College in Leeds, providing additional and enhanced facilities for students while maximising use of the existing building. 

Two new staircases and an accessible lift provide entry to the new floor, which incorporates a new library, state of the art IT facilities and a management suite with private offices and meeting spaces. 

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DESIGNING THE SPACE

Developing designs with our client and multidisciplinary team

To investigate and assess options for the new mezzanine floor layout and construction, we undertook a feasibility study, providing three concept options for review before developing the preferred design. 

The study was delivered following comprehensive surveys, which helped us gain a detailed understanding of the site and any limitations, along with reviewing available existing historic data to identify potential restrictions and minimise risks. 

Regular meetings with the college ensured our designs integrated their aspirations for the project.  For example, a key requirement included creating a column free space to ensure full visibility of all areas during exams. As a result, a new steel frame was constructed to support the mezzanine, spanning the full width of the existing hall. This included undertaking alterations to the basement area to install new supporting steel columns to support the frame. 

We also worked closely with our team of subconsultants, including mechanical and electrical (M&E) consultants and structural engineers, who undertook a review of the existing and proposed facilities to ensure our designs would be suitable for the space and meet safety requirements. 

Desks provide study and reading space

A breakout area with soft seating near the entrance

The library space provides study resources

The new IT suite provides space for 62 students

Meeting rooms are behind colour privacy screens

Our column-free design ensures clear visibility for exams

The external entrance with stair and lift access

Private meeting rooms for college staff

The mezzanine has two stairways for access

Colour panels provide interest and privacy

The new floor provides plenty of space for students

ENHANCED FACILITIES

Maximising space to enhance the student experience

The completed project provides a carefully arranged mezzanine floor, maximising facilities whilst ensuring that the separate library functions are clearly defined. 

The new library area of the new mezzanine offers approximately 286 linear metres of bookshelves and 96 seats, with this positioned away from the 62-seat IT suite, which is separated by acoustic panels to minimise noise transfer. Internal acoustic panelling add interest to the space, whilst providing privacy for studying and reading, but ensuring passive supervision of all areas of the mezzanine by staff. 

Private study booths and group working areas cater for both individual and team working, with an additional soft seated breakout area adjacent to the entrance for group work. 

A central reception desk provides college staff with visibility across the entire facility, while clustered offices and meeting rooms provide privacy for conferences and appointments. Office accommodation was designed to ensure sound-proofed walls for confidential meetings.  

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LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP

Working together to support students’ futures

We have worked with Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College since 2000, developing a close working relationship which has supported the delivery of numerous projects, all designed to develop their campus and enhance the student experience. 

Beyond our project work, we have been able to provide additional benefits by supporting students with their career goals and employability skills through attendance at careers fairs and employability sessions, as well as offering advice and feedback on CVs and job applications. 

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