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Beaudesert Park School - Civil and Structural Engineering

The leaders at Beaudesert Park School believe in giving children opportunities to build confidence through the performing arts. It¡¯s at the heart of their approach to providing an all-round education. They required a space on campus wholly dedicated to plays, concerts, performances, and music lessons for 430 students, from 3 to 13 years old, and engaged us to help.

Working with MEB Architects, we provided civil and structural engineering services for the new performance center. Located in the heart of the school grounds among woodland and foliage, the steep sloping site presented complex ground conditions¡ªa significant number of trees had root protection zones. To accommodate this challenge, we designed the building using a two- and three-story steel frame, leveraging the steep slope with a part-basement formed with reinforced concrete. Working with the contractor and the arboriculturist, we designed the frame¡¯s structural design¡ªthat was key to providing an economical solution to the drainage route through the protected area.

The external fa?ade of this performing arts center comprises rubble stone walls, glazing, and glulam columns. A living wall of plants helps the building blend into its surroundings as seamlessly as possible. Standout features include a double-height entrance and performance space with viewing balconies, practice and teaching areas, and boxy pod music rooms housing the latest equipment.

With an adaptable layout, this performance center provides a flexible space that caters to full-scale productions, dance lessons, or morning assembly. Today, it¡¯s a place where students can confidently thrive and blossom through the performing arts.