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Case Study – Knaphill School – Fire Compliance, Heating, Boilers, Roofs and Rewire

Case Study: Boiler Replacement, Fire Compliance, Roof Replacement, Heating Distribution and Electrical Rewire at Knaphill School 

Project Overview 

Knaphill School, located in Woking, required a strategic, multi-year upgrade programme to address significant infrastructure issues across its mechanical, electrical, roofs and fire safety systems. Over the course of three years, our team have delivered a series of planned upgrades to ensure compliance with modern building regulations while improving the building’s safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability. 

  • Location: Woking, Surrey
  • Client: Knaphill School
  • Sector: Education
  • Project Duration: April 2022 – December 2024
  • Services Provided: Project Management, Specification Writing, Quantity Surveying, CIF Bid Writing, Contract Administration, Compliance Consultancy 


Our Role / Services Provided 

We provided end-to-end consultancy services across all project phases, including: 

  • Initial condition surveys and project scoping 
  • Technical specification development for M&E, Roofs and Fire Compliance
  • Tender management and contractor recommendation 
  • Management of multiple CIF funding applications and approvals
  • Construction phase project management and quality assurance
  • Contract administration and cost control
  • Compliance review and certification sign-off 


Scope of Works Completed 

Boiler Replacement (2022) 

  • Decommissioning and removal of life-expired gas-fired boiler plant 
  • Installation of new high-efficiency condensing boilers
  • New plantroom layout including upgraded flue system and controls 
  • Improved zoning and integration with BMS system 


Fire Compliance (2023) 

  • Replacement of 78 non-compliant internal fire doors with FD30-rated units 
  • Installation of a new addressable fire alarm system and detectors 
  • Replacement of 22 non-compliant glazed screens with certified fire-rated glazed units 
  • Installation of compliant fire exit signage and emergency lighting 
  • Replacement of 11 external fire exit doors with compliant units including panic ironmongery 


Roof Replacement (2023) 

  • Flat roof replacement including the strip up of existing and installation of a new tapered insulation triple layer built up system, including replacement of rain water goods and down pipes.


Heating Distribution (2024) 

  • Full replacement of ageing single-fed pipework across all blocks 
  • Removal of cast-iron radiators and installation of modern steel radiators 
  • Introduction of thermostatic controls for energy control 
  • Improved distribution efficiency and occupant comfort


Electrical Rewire (2024) 

  • Replacement of all electrical distribution boards, submains and final circuits 
  • New power outlets and general services across all classrooms and administrative areas
  • Installation of new LED lighting with improved lux levels and efficiency
Knaphill - Case Study -Old flat school roof before refurbishment, showing worn red felt surface with visible cracks, patching, and poor drainage.
Old Flat Roof – Before
Old classroom radiator with exposed pipework running along the wall beneath windows, highlighting outdated heating infrastructure.
Heating Distribution – Cast Iron Radiators – Before
CIF-funded school refurbishment corridor with new flooring and doors.
Old Non Compliant Fire Doors
Worn blue classroom door in need of CIF refurbishment funding.
Old Non Compliant Fire Doors
Old school entrance doors highlighted in CIF refurbishment case study.
Old Non Compliant Fire Doors
Refurbished school corridor with new CIF-funded fire doors and modern finishes.
Fire Compliance, New Ceilings and Electrical Rewire
Upgraded school corridor with new suspended ceiling, energy-efficient LED lighting, and CIF-funded refurbishment improvements.
Fire Compliance, New Ceilings and Electrical Rewire
Newly installed CIF-funded fire doors in a school corridor, enhancing safety and compliance standards.
Fire Compliance - New Fire Doors
Upgraded emergency exit lighting in a school stairwell, installed through CIF funding to improve safety and compliance.
Fire Compliance - New Fire Exit Signage
School corridor with noticeboard and fire door.
Fire Compliance and Heating Distribution
School heating upgrade funded by CIF, showing new radiator installation for improved energy efficiency and classroom comfort.
New Heating Distribution
CIF-funded school refurbishment with upgraded LED lighting and suspended ceiling for energy efficiency and improved learning environment.
Electrical Rewire - New Ceilings

Results & Outcomes 

  • Phased delivery allowed uninterrupted school operations during term time
  • Compliance achieved with current Building Regulations and fire safety standards significantly reducing school closure events.
  • Significant improvement to teaching and learning environment, thermal comfort, safety, and energy performance 
  • Enhanced reliability of M&E systems and reduced future maintenance risks 
  • Positive stakeholder feedback from the substantial works undertaken