The Compton School, North Finchley, London

At Streetspace, our aim is to unite people via clever designs for covered, outdoor areas. When The Compton School contacted us to improve their existing dining area, then, we were only too keen to provide some food for thought. We all know that teachers – and kids – are amongst life’s biggest critics, but we were more than ready to provide the academy with a solution that would suit both staff and students.

Having recently expanded to incorporate an additional form of entry and a sixth form, the school found that its dining facilities were starting to suffer from overcrowding.

The school’s Associate Headteacher, Denise Beardshaw, was keen to see a dining area that would accommodate its ever-growing admissions while also providing a relaxed environment the children would be happy to spend time in.

In 2016, the school put in a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid that was granted the following year, paving the way for the Streetspace team to start work on two exciting projects for the academy to provide additional dining space.

Proposing both an enclosed glazed building extension to the dining area our team also set out to create a large courtyard canopy to ensure maximum numbers of pupils could enjoy their food rain and wind-free.

A successful project award saw Streetspace installing an asymmetric rafter design TRITON Symmetric Polycarbonate canopy over the courtyard area and a separate ZONE Glazed Building adjacent to the existing dining hall. With its aluminium curtain walling and a heatguard multiwall polycarbonate roofing system specified we were able to achieve maximum light transmission into the dining hall area while maintaining year round temperature control.

Transforming the school’s dining facilities with two of our innovative structures has been a rewarding experience for the Streetspace team with school staff and student feedback very positive.

Associate Headteacher, Denise, was thrilled with the outcome, saying:

“Following an expansion programme for an additional form of entry, together with the school opening a Sixth Form the existing dining area had become very overcrowded.

Streetspace offered a range of bespoke designs to choose from adapted to meet our requirements. Design concepts were clearly displayed in a range of formats alongside technical information which allowed the Senior Leadership Team and Governors to make informed decisions. Delivery and installation were on time and according to programme within a window which enabled minimal disruption to the school.

“The school now has sufficient seating for all students at break and lunchtime. The internal extension offers an exclusive space for Sixth Form students to enjoy. The external canopy over the Piazza offers protection from the weather and thereby provides additional dining spaces that can be utilised in all seasons by both students and staff.