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Natural Structures – design, planning and beautiful buildings Market Harborough based design and building company Natural Structures are dedicated to excellence on every project they undertake. Owner Simon Lewington and his team are passionate about building in fresh sawn green oak. “The best part of the work we do is taking a grain of an idea in a client’s head and working through the design, the architectural planning, liaising with other contractors through the build to create something unique with that client’s particular style and taste incorporated all the way through. Our work portrays both modern and traditional design detailing, creating beautiful bespoke oak structures for our clients to enjoy.”
Julia Burns, Head of Leicester High School for Girls, an Independent Day School for girls aged 3-18, explains what is unique about Leicester High
Self Build? Natural Structures are happy to help “We can help self build clients to enjoy the process of installing the frames that will become the very heart of the home. Keen to take the challenge out of working in oak, Simon recommends early dialogue whether you are considering a complete home build or wishing to extend the space in your existing property. “If you are considering building your own home, oak could not be a better structural frame to choose. Erected quickly it allows you to get roofed in and begin the exciting fit-out straight away. For larger projects on more rural locations, our site crew can be self sufficient and have even been known to use a motorhome for on-site accommodation. Used in contemporary design, oak framing can be a viable alternative to steel with time on site often reduced and with stunning results. “Oak is such a tactile material – fitting the joints together can be a very rewarding experience for the self builder and we are happy to advise at any stage of the process. Phone us for a chat, we’re always pleased to help.”
1. Girls shine at Leicester High. We are not a huge impersonal institution, nor so small that we can’t field sports teams that win either. Everyone is someone and it is the small girls’ school where there is a unique blend of challenge, academic focus and confidence building. 2. Small class sizes means small. Small classes aid learning. At Leicester High classes are no bigger than 20. Everyone can be heard, and progress and understanding are closely monitored. 3. Care of the girls is a priority. Our pastoral care is outstanding. How a girl feels at school in terms of happiness, security and self-esteem is the foundation of her academic performance. 4. We top the GCSE league tables in Leicestershire, (Daily Telegraph 2010). 5. Clubs and activities to stretch and inspire. Academic performance is important, but it is not everything. Being challenged, getting involved in new experiences and having opportunities for leadership are all part of the Leicester High experience. No one is off the radar here, and everyone is encouraged to join in. 6. Communication with parents. Let’s be clear about this, parents pay for their daughter’s education here, and in return for that they expect certain standards. It is particularly important to them to feel that we know their daughter well and provide feedback about her progress and wellbeing. This is something we prioritise here and are always seeking to improve. • Open Day, 9.30am-12.30pm 8th October, www.leicesterhigh.co.uk
Need to work from home? Garden Office Solution “Garden offices are more popular than ever,” Simon agrees, “They create an inspiring environment whilst keeping that all important demarquation line between home and work. Garden offices are built for the purpose and specified to meet today’s standards of comfort and technology. We work very closely with each client to provide just exactly the right size and style of workspace fitted to their specific needs. Garden offices have certainly moved on from the glorified sheds of fifteen years ago to beautiful, stylish rooms which always add value to your home.” • Contact: Natural Structures Tel: 01858 445401, www.naturalstructures.co.uk
Leicester High School for Girls - 6 reasons why your daughter will thrive
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RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING September 2011
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