As with many 1920s’ educational properties, the challenges of the 21stcentury weigh heavily. This was undoubtedly the case with a project we completed over the summer at Phillimore Community Primary School in Darnall, Sheffield.

“Successive extensions and playground schemes have conspired over the years to create subsoil levels considerably higher than classroom floors,” explains Tim Vaughan, finance director at A Cumberlidge.

Substantial structural work was required before any new floor coverings could be laid

Before: substantial structural work was required before any new floor coverings could be laid

Continues Tim: “Subsequent breaches in the damp proof membranes have resulted in significant damage to the decoration and floor finishes in several areas of the school with the only solution being to remedy and reinstate as a full refurbishment scheme.

“This project involved considerable structural work and was truly a scheme that had to run like clockwork from day one with all sub-contractors led by main contractor, Sanderson Building Services, needing to work closely together and adhere to the intense timescales demanded.

Before: classroom floor after we had removed the existing wooden block flooring ready to prepare for the new floor covering

Before: classroom floor after we had removed the existing wooden block flooring ready to prepare for the new floor covering

“The A Cumberlidge team was tasked with the removal of the existing finishes, reinstating a Rapid A38 screed DPM coating and subfloor preparation. Once those elements were concluded, we reinstated the floors using a highly durable Polyflor Polysafe Vogue sheet vinyl featuring a non-slip finish.

After: the classroom is transformed with Polyflor Polysafe sheet vinyl flooring!

After: the classroom is transformed with Polyflor Polysafe sheet vinyl flooring!

Adds Tim: “From the stripping out of the services to extensive remodelling, reinstating, decoration and furnishing, everyone involved stepped up to the challenge and delivered the scheme within both the time and cost frames.”

After: the classroom is once again fit for purpose

After: the classroom is once again fit for purpose

Concludes Craig Sanderson, managing director of Sanderson Building Services: “This was a very busy time for everyone involved and the A Cumberlidge team accommodated the project really well, working efficiently and effectively alongside all the other trades to complete on time and on budget.”