We are thrilled to be able to share images of our recently completed Abingdon School project as it completes on site.

Abingdon Prep School is an independent boy’s school situated within 50 acres of rolling Oxfordshire countryside in the village of Frilford, just outside Abingdon. The school prides itself on the wealth of activities it has on offer, providing a vast array of possibilities for the students. From 3D printing club, gardening club and Lego club to archery, fencing and oil painting, there are over 100 extra-curricular activities to choose from. It is not surprising to learn that over half the Abingdon Prep boys play instruments and everyone from age seven up represents the school in sports.

With so many activities on offer and 250 students to cater for, the school found they required more space to maximise their opportunities. As part of the Abingdon Foundation’s investment programme, a collaboration between Abingdon Prep School and Abingdon School (the senior school), a development was agreed upon which would extend the facilities further.

The purpose-built project has created even more opportunities for the boys and the ability to develop interests further. Included in the development is a specialist music school which features acoustically designed practice and teaching rooms, a second science lab, a purpose-built workshop for the creative DT department and a modern, up-to-date computing suite. In the centre of the proposals sat an historic barn which was housing the library. However, the library had outgrown the space. The development has seen the refurbishment of the barn, opening it up to create a new, light, open-plan library right in the heart of the school.

SOLID were appointed as Structural and Civil Engineers on the development, working alongside WWA Studios, Feltham construction, Bidwells, QODA Consulting and Ridge and Partners LLP. There were a series of challenges presented to the SOLID team throughout the project. Primarily, the new extension ties into the rear part of the school building so we had to provide a seamless transition when working the existing floors into the extension, compensating where the ground level fell away. Being at the rear of the school there were also strict site controls and restraints.

The SOLID team designed the building as a steel frame using 3D clash detection and coordination.

It is fantastic to see the boys enjoying their new space and we are very proud to have been involved. Externally the architectural design includes large feature windows that project out of the façade. The L-shape creates an internal courtyard which has been utilised with a school wide amphitheatre. Internally the new facilities have ensured Abingdon Prep School can offer its students the very best.

Abingdon Prep School Completes

SOLID.