Ingleton Wood brings civil and structural engineering expertise to Fern House SEN School project Thursday, 6th February 2025

Ingleton Wood is proud to have provided Civil and Structural engineering services and supported Hutton Construction in delivering the Fern House School project; a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to Special Educational Needs (SEN) services for pupils in Enfield, North London.  

The new school addresses the growing demand for dedicated educational spaces in the area and features a range of high-quality facilities designed to encourage learning and development.

Comprehensive facilities

The new teaching facility features nine modern classrooms, a staffroom, a main hall, and a kitchen, as well as sports and changing facilities.

The site also includes revised and expanded car parking, external lighting, hard play areas, soft landscaping, and all associated external works.

Civil and structural expertise

Ingleton Wood’s Cambridge-based team provided Civil and Structural Engineering services for the project, working closely with Hutton Construction and CAMM Architects to refine and enhance the design.

Although a structural strategy had been developed prior to our appointment, Ingleton Wood implemented value-engineering techniques to optimise the scheme.

Key innovations included adopting a composite metal deck construction for the upper floor; an approach that reduced the size of steel components required due to composite action, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. 

Additionally, welded studs and an in-situ poured concrete slab were incorporated to avoid complex tying details while meeting disproportionate collapse requirements.

Overcoming design challenges

A standout feature of the design was the extensive use of large, glazed panels at the ground and first-floor levels, which posed challenges for structural stability.

Ingleton Wood resolved these challenges by employing moment connections to maintain stability while preserving the aesthetic and functional benefits of the large glazed openings.

Sustainability achievements

The project achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent,’ underscoring the site's commitment to environmental sustainability. 

This certification also reflects a design and construction process that prioritises energy efficiency, resource conservation, and long-term operational performance.

Collaboration for success

Ingleton Wood’s collaboration with Hutton Construction and CAMM Architects was instrumental in delivering this brand-new educational facility.

By combining expertise, innovation, and a shared vision for excellence, the project team successfully delivered the Fern House School development; benefiting both the local community and the next generation of learners, and exemplifying Ingleton Wood’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver exceptional results even in the face of complex challenges. 

From optimising existing designs to ensuring structural integrity in visually striking architectural features, the project highlights our commitment to excellence in engineering and education.