Case Study – Education

Project: Christ Church C of E Primary School, Walsall
Client: Walsall Local Education Authority
Main Contractor:  Willmott Dixon
Main Architect:  Seymour Harris Architecture
Main Joinery Contractor:  TBA

Orbis Classic for iconic Midlands primary school

The latest education project for which Laidlaw door furniture has been specified is the £5.5M Christ Church C of E Primary School in Walsall. Ironmongery from the Orbis Classic range was selected for use in what has been described as an iconic and innovative building which is the first circular structure to be built in Walsall.It is also another project in which Laidlaw has worked alongside main contractor Willmott Dixon.

The school, which has been funded by the National Primary Capital Programme and is considered an examplar for primary school education in the Walsall area, will serve an additional 100 pupils in a future build phase, increasing overall capacity to 354 alongside a 26 place FTE nursery.

Designed by Seymour Harris Architecture, the radical design took a minimalist approach using curved section pull handles throughout to mitigate potential for undue wear and damage in such a busy environment. As its name suggests, the Orbis Classic range offers understated stainless steel elegance, its timeless aesthetic lending itself to building styles from contemporary to traditional environments.Orbis Classic
 was specified to complement white laminate and full height glazed doors, offsetting coloured film and bold paint colours to achieve a modern and sophisticated learning environment.

Stylish and distinctive door closers using the advanced Smoothline system of operation were installed with those on fire doors having electromagnetic activation. Accessories included kick plates, matching lock escutcheons, cylinders and hinges as well as internal electronic access control. 

The new school has been designed to provide a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. Architect Colin Way of Seymour Harris Architecture commented,We have been priviledged to have worked with a client team who have been as keen as ourselves to challenge primary school design in Walsall. Our overall aim, in executing an uncompromisingly modern response to the client brief for Christ Church Primary School, has been achieved through attention to both specification and detail. The selection of the ironmongery and the service provided by Laidlaw has been excellent.