INCA EWI Case Study: Les Quennevais School, Jersey

This major £38m development to construct a new ‘state of the art school’ in Jersey has used a Wetherby’s External Wall Insulation System and over half a million clay brick slips to cover a ‘huge’ 60,000m² build.

Les Quennevais School originally built in the 1960’s was designed to accommodate a maximum of 450 students. Over the years, the school has steadily increased its student intake to around 700 meaning the school has been functioning way over capacity. The building has lacked remediation and facilities had become outdated and learning spaces compromised.

This in mind, the Department for Education submitted plans to relocate the school to a new site and to provide the students with a modern and energy efficient building. Director of Education, Justin Donovan said “high priority is to raise standards, and there is only so much a student can achieve within the current building.

Sarah Hague, Head of Les Quennevais, said it was important for her students to have the same opportunities as pupils from other States schools. Sarah said, “built in the mid-1960s, with low ceilings, small corridors and insufficient communal space, it has had its day!”

Planning permission was granted in 2018. Rok Group, main contractors for the scheme, approached Fox Contracts Ltd, WBS approved EWI installers, for advice on the external envelope and Wetherby’s Brick Slip external wall insulation system was selected utilising stone wool insulation, deemed to meet the stringent fire and acoustic requirements. Varying thicknesses of insulation achieved a u-value of less than 0.30 W/m²K. The external wall insulation boards were fixed back to a combination of blockwork and steel framed structure (SFS).  It was vital, due to the scale of the project, to complete the system with a durable façade that would reflect the monumental design aspirations set out at conception.

Wetherby’s ‘real’ clay brick slips are fired in the same way as traditional clay bricks meaning a project of this size could benefit from a genuine brick finish without compromising the design. Choosing a brick slip façade significantly reduced cost and installation time when compared to a traditional brick finish. With strict deadlines met the school was ready to welcome students and teachers back ahead of the new school term.

The biggest challenge to all involved was the “high profile” status of the project. It was the largest brick building on the island and visitor interest was immense.

Utilising Wetherby’s white, smooth brick slips, the aesthetic appearance of this building is superb and indeed worthy of commendation. It is now a very desirable place to teach and learn in. Staff and pupils are delighted with the results and arrive each morning to a building that makes them feel there are no limits on achievement. Future generations can also be assured of the best possible experience and opportunities.

Headteacher, Sarah said ‘The new Les Quennevais School is truly a school for the future. It will inspire and drive the ambition of a whole new generation and transform the experiences of our staff and students.