Overview
The Greenfield Academy in Dundee represents a transformative educational development, merging Braeview Academy and Craigie High School into a single, state-of-the-art facility. Designed to serve approximately 1,800 pupils, along with their teachers, staff, and the wider community, the campus is a cornerstone of Dundee’s educational future.
AES Ltd. was appointed to deliver the full design, installation, and commissioning of the Craft, Design & Technology (CDT) department, including workshops, machinery, and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems. This project is a prime example of AES’s expertise in creating safe, efficient, and future-ready learning environments.
Scope of Works
AES Ltd. undertook a comprehensive package of works, including:
- Full design of CDT department workshops, storage areas, preparation rooms, and specialist extraction systems.
- Complete fit-out, installation, and mechanical/electrical commissioning of machinery, workbenches, and material storage solutions.
- Installation and LEV commissioning of AES’s industry-leading C-VAC Wood Dust Extraction Systems across multiple workshops.
Department Rooms Designed and Installed
AES delivered a fully integrated CDT department, comprising:
- External Plant Room – housing AES C-VAC extraction systems in a dedicated area.
- Materials Store and Preparation Rooms x2 – designed for efficient workflow and safe material handling.
- Woodworking Workshops x2 – equipped with fixed machinery and under bench extraction systems.
- Multipurpose Workshops x2 – tailored for both wood and metalwork, with flexible layouts and plug-in extraction points.
Technical Highlights – Effective Extraction for Multiple Workshops
- C-VAC Extraction Systems: AES’s C-VAC system ensures a dust-free environment, automatically adjusting suction based on equipment usage. Plug-in points with microswitch-controlled flap valves allow for easy connection of cleaning tools and portable machinery.
- 3D CAD Design: Using Autodesk Revit, AES provided full BIM-compliant layouts, enabling seamless coordination with architects and contractors.
- Energy Efficiency: The system’s inverter drive technology optimizes performance and minimizes energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.
- Safety & Compliance: All installations meet HSE standards, including HSG258 and COSHH compliance, ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff.
CDT Department Workshops – for Woodworking, Metalworking and STEM Subjects
For such a large project, the facility has four dedicated teaching workshops and two technician prep/store areas so that staff and students are fully equipped for current and future curriculum.
As with all BIM projects, we collaborated closely with the main contractor and architect to coordinate both internal and external services. This ensured our extraction network was seamlessly routed throughout the various workshops, without disrupting any existing or critical infrastructure.
AES provided all woodworking and metalworking machinery within these workshops, including plastic moulding equipment and a dedicated hot works area complete with its own LEV system.
All fixed classroom machinery is integrated into the C-VAC system using discreet, small-diameter ducting. Across the workshops, we’ve installed multiple plug-in points and cleaning hoses equipped with brushed suction nozzles, allowing staff and students to easily clean floors and benches.
For bench-mounted equipment, we designed bespoke connections that enable machines such as fretsaws to link directly to under-bench local extraction systems, ensuring efficient and unobtrusive dust control.
Workstation Innovation
For this project, AES developed in conjunction with one of our manufacturing partners a batch of rise-and-fall machine workstations that allow normal bench mounted equipment such as drills, fretsaws and sanders to be positioned at any height for all students.
This is especially important for facilities where wheelchair access is required and can also be a benefit for teachers when setting up the workshop for students of all ages.
Made from a robust steel structure with a manual turning handle, these benches allow for easy manipulation of the machine height and provide a solid base when machines are in use.
Advanced Hot Works Extraction
As with all educational projects, AES carried out a specialist installation of a hot works extraction package, including a forge and brazing hearth canopy for heat and fumes and a compact and effective downdraft extraction bench for welding and grinding. Greenfield Academy is one of the first new build educational establishments to provide its staff and students with industry leading extraction bench technology.
Adopting downdraft extraction tables in UK educational workshops offers significant health and safety benefits. These tables help to efficiently capture dust, fumes, and airborne particles directly at the source, reducing exposure for students and staff during practical activities such as welding and grinding.
This not only promotes a cleaner and safer learning environment but also supports compliance with health regulations and improves air quality. Additionally, integrating such technology demonstrates a commitment to modern, responsible teaching practices, preparing students for industry standards in vocational and technical fields.
Impact
The new CDT department at Greenfield Academy is a benchmark for modern educational facilities. AES’s contribution has:
- Enhanced health and safety standards.
- Improved learning outcomes through better equipment and cleaner environments.
- Delivered a future-proofed infrastructure that supports a wide range of curricular activities.
Client Feedback
“AES delivered a highly professional and collaborative service. Their attention to detail and commitment to safety has created a CDT department that’s not only functional but inspiring for both staff and students.”
— Project Stakeholder, Greenfield Academy
Ask one of our technical team
Speak to one of our staff in our office to see how we can help with your enquiry.
Click below to find out how AES can help with your enquiry today.
Get a Quote
