Timber frame for SEN school extension, Berwick-upon-Tweed
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Summary
Creating specialist learning spaces for inclusive education
Enhanced learning facilities at St Mary's School in Berwick-upon-Tweed have helped Northumberland County Council expand specialist provision for children with additional support needs as part of a wider educational transformation across Berwick Partnership schools.
The £3m project, delivered by Robertson Construction North East, included a new specialist learning extension, along with refurbishment of existing teaching spaces and external improvements, creating a more inclusive environment for pupils and staff.
A timber frame solution designed and manufactured by Robertson Timber Engineering (RTE) underpinned the single-storey extension, expanding the school's SEN facilities with four classrooms, group areas, therapy rooms, a library, lobby and WCs.
1975
linear metres of timber
350m2
of roof cassettes
82
open panels
Designing a standalone extension
The timber frame was designed as a self-supporting structure, allowing the new extension to operate independently without requiring structural connection to the existing school building. This approach simplified integration with the existing facility while providing a robust and efficient solution for the new accommodation.
A collaborative, co-ordinated design process
Regular design workshops with the wider project team helped shape practical, buildable solutions that gave programme certainty, performance requirements and the long-term functionality of the new facilities. Working closely with the architect, M&E designer, Northumberland County Council and school stakeholders, the timber frame design was refined throughout the development phase to ensure the best outcome for the project.
Through this process, we helped refine the roof design to meet the project's shallow pitch requirements. The frame was engineered to efficiently support the complete roof build-up, including insulation, membranes and finishing materials, ensuring the design met both structural and performance requirements.
We also contributed to clash detection meetings, working closely with project partners to ensure mechanical ventilation systems could be effectively accommodated within the ceiling void. Early co-ordination helped reduce design risks, improve buildability and ensure a smooth construction process.
Off-site timber engineering for programme certainty
Robertson Timber Engineering manufactured 400mm deep angled roof cassettes and open panel frame components. This size was an engineered solution to allow for spanning over the large classroom areas.
Off-site manufacture improved quality control and provided greater programme certainty, helping the project progress towards completion in time for the new academic year.
The timber frame solution also supported efficient site operations through reduced on-site activity and predictable installation sequences, helping the wider project team meet key delivery milestones.
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