Dunton Fields

Project name: Dunton Fields

Sector: Education

Location: Basildon, Essex

Client name: Essex County Council

Supplied by: Wernick Buildings​

Accommodation type: Single-storey childcare building

Size: 363m² / 12 modules

Features: Playrooms, toilets, kitchen, tiled roof, brick slip walls, feature canopy

Requirement

Starting with a blank canvas and the requirement for additional early years places, Essex County Council utilised the Fusion 21 framework to find a modular building supplier.

The client specified an offsite solution to save on time and costs: the framework gives buyers reassurance of value for money and programme reliability from all of its modular suppliers.

Solution

​Wernick Buildings were appointed on a turnkey Design & Building contract, this included successfully achieving planning approval and, during the construction stage, completing all related works such as highways and utilities works. Wernick worked closely with stakeholders in developing the scheme: using their knowledge of the sector and guidelines for childcare environments, the team translated the client’s requirements into a durable and functional £1 million building with a design life of 50+ years.

The project had many complexities, with highways and traffic being a significant concern for residents, resulting in a major change to the proposals to ensure the scheme provided the best solution for the Early Years operator and for residents.  

The building was constructed using prefabricated modular sections both for cost efficiency and also to reduce time on site. The finish of the building was a mix of brick slips and render, with the final finishes proposed as a result of feedback received through the planning process. A mix of flat and pitched roof was provided to reflect the residential properties surrounding the site. Externally, a staff car park and child drop-off area was provided, along with external play spaces directly accessible from the playrooms. A large canopy allows children and staff to be outside in all weather.

Inside the building, up to 56 children can enjoy the open, light spaces as well as the air-conditioning system which will ensure a comfortable climate year-round. Taped and filled walls will allow care providers to change wall colourings with ease.

Client comment

Emma Oni, Project Sponsor at Essex Council, commented: “We had a good working relationship with Wernick from design through to completion, with open communication throughout the project. The building is fit for purpose with the end users very excited to be in and providing much needed early years spaces to the community.”