D3 Associates – Architecture, Energy and Project Management
D3 Associates is an energy and architectural practice based in the Northeast. We work closely with academies to develop their buildings, providing a range of services from estate management, energy assessments and compliance, to the detailed design of new builds, extensions and refurbishment projects.
We have extensive experience across the schools’ sector enabling us to provide practical support at all stages, from initial CIF funding applications to design, procurement and construction. We also act as Principal Designer (CDM Regs 2015) ensuring projects meet H&S requirements.
For schools looking to lower their carbon footprint, we can prepare a decarbonisation plan using a holistic ‘whole building’ approach focussing on building fabric improvements to reduce heat loss, alternative low carbon heating systems and electricity generation with storage. Plans can be used as part of a grant application to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).
Our experience and knowledge of school project delivery and funding bids enables us to efficiently take your brief and convert it into a sustainable solution, satisfying the needs of both your school and your budget. It also allows us to identify projects that will be considered as urgent and therefore most likely to be successful.
We can also undertake Net Capacity Assessments to examine the available space within the school and identify the recommended capacity in terms of pupil numbers and highlight key areas where improvements are necessary.
Helping your school to deliver:
- Cost Saving Estate Management
- Expert Energy Management
- Innovative new build and refurbishment
- Successful funding bids
- Decarbonisation targets
Recent projects include:
- Developing a Strategic Estates Management Strategy to assist a new MAT effectively manage their built environment and plan ahead.
- 20 successful CIF funding bids over the last 3 years for several MATS including major building repairs, roof refurbishments, heating system replacements and electrical safety works.
- A variety of projects for a Northeast MAT including school condition surveys, net capacity study, internal remodelling works, whole roof recovering, electrical works, boiler replacements and architectural design options.
- The construction of a 68 place nursery – from feasibility and planning, through a successful CIF funding bid to construction.
- A new school classroom extension and internal refurbishment works – another CIF bid success.
- Major structural repairs and associated refurbishment works to a Northumberland First School to prolong the life of the buildings.
Testimonials
Testimonial 1 for d3associates
Cleadon CofE Academy
“The team were a pleasure to work with throughout the design and construction phases and we are all extremely pleased with the splendid end result”
Testimonial 2 for d3associates
Tyne Community Learning Trust
“We have always found d3associates to be easy to work with. They respond quickly to any queries or concerns we have, even after the projects have been completed, and have helped us find solutions to any problems or concerns we have. I would recommend them for any Trusts looking for support for bids and project management.”
Case Studies
Cleadon Church of England Academy
d3associates was appointed to design a new 78 place nursery for Cleadon Church of England Academy. Following extensive consultation initial design work, Planning application and costings were developed to support a successful EFA Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) application.
The nursery and resource area is open plan with large, bi-folding doors opening on to a glazed canopy and secure play area. It provides a flexible and adaptable naturally lit space with plenty of storage and facilities along with a creative outdoor play area with an external canopy, allowing the children to make the most of all weather outdoor play and learning.
Lingfield Trust
d3associates were appointed to develop a Strategic Estates Management Strategy to assist the Trust to effectively manage their school buildings and grounds. The trust currently has six primary schools in the Darlington and Middlesbrough areas, ranging from imposing Victorian brick buildings to a new 420 pupil, timber frame, low carbon primary, with biomass boiler and sedum roof. Baseline condition surveys performed by d3a, fed into a Planned Maintenance Plan, which included estimated budget costs for repairs or replacement. The trust was therefore able to plan and prioritise maintenance across all sites. d3associates have provided further help to individual schools in the trust who are seeking funds and carrying out some of these works.
Normanby First school – part of the Ironstone Academy Trust
Due to growing pupil numbers, d3associates were employed to develop initial classroom extension and external play area designs. Support was then provided to the school submitting a CIF bid for the works.
Following the successful bid award d3associates were appointed to produce detailed designs, support with planning application and seek tenders from local contractors. They then acted as Principle Designer and Project Managed all aspects of the works until successful completion.
Tyne Community Learning Trust CIF Funded Projects
The nine schools within Tyne Community Learning Trust (TCLT) became academies in September 2019 and d3associates were initially commissioned to undertake a high level condition survey to identify urgent major refurbishment projects that would be appropriate for an application to the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
TCLT were successful with five submissions and instructed d3associates to project manage the works. With only three weeks to the school summer holidays, due to the late announcement of the awards, contractors had to be appointed speedily. d3associates worked closely with the Trust, schools and contractors to ensure the works started on time and managed the contracts through to completion during the six week school holiday.
d3associates are continuing to work with the Trust and have submitted further successful CIF applications. Architectural and engineering design services for urgent structural remedial works have also been supplied.
Contact Details
Offers
Free health check for Academies
d3associates will visit your school and provide a free health check. This will help prioritise the needs of your estate so you can plan maintenance going forward. During the health check you can raise any concerns that you have with our qualified staff who will help assess their likely impact.
Free roof survey
For schools and colleges with particular concerns about their roof systems, d3associates will arrange a roof survey inspecting and sampling the existing structure to establish its condition. Lifetime estimates for existing coverings will help you to plan ahead and schedule necessary maintenance works over the short, medium and long term. Where appropriate d3associates will help you with future funding bids.
Decarbonisation consultancy and materials
d3associates will provide a free remote consultancy session to explain the ‘7 Step Holistic Approach’ to decarbonising your school’s buildings. Free PDF handouts will be provided for future reference.
