Timber specialists launch 'The Hide' at SEN school

The Stable Company creates accessible facilities for Tyne and Wear school

Posted by Stephanie Broad | July 26, 2016 | Bricks & mortar

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• #special-needs
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• #keelmans-way-school
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Timber construction specialist The Stable Company has launched a new accessible school project for Keelman’s Way School in Hebburn.  

The building is a single-storey timber construct named by the school as ‘The Hide’. Keelman’s Way is a special needs school that opened in September 2012, which has a secure structure dedicated towards the welfare of its 125 pupils as well as their families, teachers and the local community.  

The Hide will provide two fully equipped changing rooms for the disability football team and eventually serve as a space for the wider community. As well as containing a kitchen, the generous teaching space offered by the bespoke build will also ensure more opportunities for fulfilling outdoor education learning objectives.  

The build is 138m² and has been designed to complement existing amenity space. Designed with consideration for the landscape and neighbouring property, away from flood risk areas, the new project is intended to withstand the elements. Accordingly, the building comes with a black EPDM rubber roof and hard-wearing brown-coloured UPVC cladding on the doors and windows. In order to minimise aesthetic disruption to the surrounding area, trims, fascia and soffit boards are all in matching timber, with the external timber cladding left in a natural finish.

Demand for timber buildings for education has increased exponentially in the last few years as they offer a tailored, flexible solution to the need for diverse learning and leisure areas.  

Gareth Barber, MD of The Stable Company, said: “We know this excellent new project will provide Keelman’s Way with the flexibility and space they need to meet their learning objectives. Timber is proving to be the progressive, sustainable method for many schools handling increased student numbers, tightened budgets or the need for an attractive, practical learning environment.”  

Paula Selby, Headteacher at Keelman’s Way School said: “The Hide is a valuable and exciting new asset for our pupils and soon, the wider community. We are thrilled with the finished product.”