Lakes College required a dedicated civil engineering facility spanning 10 acres. The £1.2m project combines indoor learning spaces with extensive outdoor areas for practical training. The new building features modern classrooms, changing facilities, and comprehensive mechanical and electrical systems powered by sustainable air source heat pumps. The outdoor training area includes specialist floodlighting to maximise learning opportunities throughout the year.
CLIENT: Lakes College
LOCATION: Workington, Cumbria
VALUE: £1.8m
SERVICES: Mechanical & Electrical Design
CONTRACT: Design & Build
CLIENT OBJECTIVES
Lakes College needed to expand its civil engineering programme with purpose-built facilities that would blend theoretical and hands-on learning. The brief called for a flexible space where students could move seamlessly between classroom teaching and practical outdoor training. Essential requirements included changing rooms for students working outdoors, well-lit external areas for year-round learning, and comfortable indoor teaching spaces. The college emphasised the need for energy-efficient building services that would minimise running costs while maintaining optimal learning conditions throughout the seasons.
OUR SOLUTION
Working alongside JJ Group and Story Contracting as part of a design and build contract, we developed an integrated building services design that prioritised student comfort and learning effectiveness. The mechanical and electrical systems were carefully specified to support both indoor and outdoor teaching environments.
Design elements included:
- Air source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling
- Balanced ventilation systems throughout teaching spaces
- External floodlighting for extended practical training hours
- Comprehensive life safety systems
- Full electrical installation including power distribution
- Energy-efficient lighting design for all areas
THE OUTCOME
The new facility provides Lakes College with a modern, comfortable learning environment that effectively supports both theoretical and practical civil engineering education. Students benefit from seamless integration between indoor and outdoor learning spaces, while efficient building services ensure year-round comfort with minimised energy consumption. The project has significantly enhanced the college’s ability to deliver hands-on civil engineering training.
