St George’s International School in Hamm: From inauguration to feedback on a construction project in an occupied site

On April 23, 2026, the new building of St George’s International School was officially inaugurated in Hamm. This event was both formal and convivial, marking the completion of a project that is now fully integrated into the daily life of the school.

On this occasion, all stakeholders were able to come together around a facility already in operation – a symbolic milestone that reflects months of collective commitment. We are delighted to have actively contributed to the realization of this project and to have shared this important moment with all those involved.

As Eveline BECK, Head of Project Management, highlights: “thanks to a perfectly coordinated team [Cyril MAUGER, Project Manager, David PALMA, Senior Construction Manager, and Nadine HADDAD, Project Manager], it was possible to achieve the objectives agreed with the client.”

A completed project and a year in review

Beyond the inauguration, this project also gives an opportunity to look back on a particularly demanding year, marked by a major constraint: building on an occupied site, at the heart of a fully operational school.

Behind the completed building, a gymnasium and new classrooms, lies the reality of a construction site involving multiple contractors working simultaneously, constant adjustments, and constraints linked to the school schedule. In a functioning school, managing the “real construction site” between plans and reality takes on an additional dimension. As Cyril points out: “We must ensure that the safety of the children is guaranteed… that access to the site is secure… and that disturbances are kept under control.”

Certain phases, particularly the noisiest ones, had to be adapted to preserve exam periods. Other interventions were rescheduled to evenings, weekends, or school holidays. At the same time, it was essential to continuously ensure student safety, maintain access, and control disturbances.

Coordination as a guiding principle

In this context, the project’s success relies above all on rigorous coordination between all stakeholders.

“The role of GEPROLUX is not to lead the project, but to ensure that all works are properly coordinated with one another.”

In practice, this role involved continuous management of interfaces, scheduling, and risks, with a clear objective: to anticipate rather than react.

Because on a construction site, things never go exactly as planned. Deviations occur — and addressing them quickly is essential to avoid disruptions.

Balancing site constraints and architectural ambition

The project is also set within a constrained urban environment. The “Elsy Jacobs” gymnasium was therefore designed to integrate intelligently into the existing site: built on stilts above the parking area, it preserves circulation flows between the different areas of the campus.

This choice reflects a comprehensive approach: reconciling functionality, urban integration, and continuity of use, without disrupting the life of the school.

Staying on track: deadlines, safety, budget

Despite these multiple constraints, the project’s key objectives were met:

• a school start ensured under functional and safe conditions,
• controlled impacts and adaptations,
• a budget maintained without overruns.

This result is based on collective discipline: maintaining an overall vision, anticipating risks, and constantly balancing technical requirements, site constraints, and client objectives.

A collective success

From delivery for the 2025 school year to the inauguration in April 2026, this project illustrates a clear dynamic: adapt, coordinate, anticipate, deliver… and then celebrate together.

Today, the building is fully operational and used daily. And that is undoubtedly what matters most: seeing a project truly come to life through its real-world use.

Client: St George’s International School

Project partners:

• Architect: ARCO Architecture Company
• Civil Engineer: Schroeder & Associés S.A.
• Technical Engineer: RMC Consulting