"school"

The BriefWeald of Kent Grammar School were having some building works completed at their school in Tonbridge, Kent. As part of the renovation, they wanted to create an outdoor space which would be protected from the weather whilst still keeping an open and airy feel to the area which would be used to extend their dining area into the outdoors all year round.  The SolutionAfter looking through our product portfolio, they could see that the Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy would be the perfect solution, the addition of polycarbonate side panels and doors, similar to our modular outdoor classrooms, would provide the full weather protection required, whilst still having full visibility inside and out.

VANDALISM to schools’ property is a continuing issue but one that is being addressed by Premier Security & Fire Ltd.Working in partnership with Swedish company Hammerglass, Essex-based Premier is providing security options that include unbreakable glass for windows and doors. Several London schools and colleges that have been repeat victims of vandalism have already engaged the company to replace existing installations.Hammerglass is 300 times stronger than traditional glass and weighs half as much. Premier Security & Fire Ltd manufacture and install their own designs, including security options that reach counter-terrorism threat level.If you would like more information, call us on 0208 559 8295.#UnbreakableGlass #SchoolsSecurity #Facades

Rokeby School benefits from a generous outdoor space incorporating an all weather multi-use games pitch, a fitness trail and outdoor dining area.Lang+Fulton supplied a Novara-25 perimeter fence to secure the boundary.Novara-25 has an extremely narrow aperture. This delivers excellent anti-climb properties, which comply with NHBS guidelines, for schools, colleges and residential environments. In addition, it is made with a 1270mm wide panel width which provides exceptional rigidity and the fence was supplied with an I-post to reduce the gap between panel and post for increased safety and security.A pivot gate was designed for the main entrance with a double leaf gate providing access for deliveries.

“Staff and students have both been delighted with the outcome of the washroom renovation and plenty of positive feedback has been received. The door thickness and quality really helps to reduce vandalism and provides soundproof privacy for the students. I hope that the students will now take ownership and really look after the new washrooms. What’s more, the washrooms are now a much more open space, making it easier than ever for staff to supervise and oversee the areas.” - Jennifer Jewitt, Finance Director at South Hunsley Secondary School.

100m2 flat roof on top of a school in was going to become an outside classroom. Access was severely restricted so it was not possible to consider traditional decking boards. Work was required at half term. Ipe timber decking tiles mounted onto adjustable pedestals were selected. The pedestals were delivered in boxes and the 500 x 500mm Ipe timber tiles could be carried by hand up all the flights of stairs to the roof area. The fall was accommodated with the adjustable pedestals and the hardwood decking was flat and durable. The roof was completed in three days.

The washrooms in a West London School were in need of refurbishment. They took the opportunity to completely rethink the use of space and had a more modern, fresh look in mind for the Key Stage 1 & 2 school washrooms, and the Franke Washino range fitted perfectly with the scheme. Franke’s Washino wash and play trough (SANW215P) were used instead of traditional washbasins. The Washino range is ergonomically designed to allow children to get closer to the taps, and the playful wave and pleasant warm surface of the Miranit troughs are a temptation for children to wash their hands.

Armourcoat polished plaster provided the finishing touch as part of the renovation of Washington D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, designed by cox graae + spack architects and Lance Bailey & Associates. The interior environment centres on a giant oval-shaped structure within the four story atrium – the Duke Ellington Theatre ‘egg’. The outer shell of this 'egg' was expertly hand finished in Armourcoat polished plaster by local installers Senza Fine Inc. In total over 25,000ft2 of finishes were applied to the theatre, cafeteria walls and columns over three levels. The design team took inspiration from piano keys for the interior, featuring crisp white wall finishes with black accents, paying homage to the iconic musician, composer and D.C. native Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington.Chris Ambridge, Associate Principal at cg+s architects, commented “The choice to use Armourcoat came at the end of an extended process of exploring many options. The decision was important since the theatre is the centre piece at the heart of the school.We found a precedent in London of a similarly complex application and quickly became comfortable that Armourcoat was the right product for our project in terms of cost, schedule and aesthetics. The project team and client have been delighted with the end result. The finish is sophisticated and durable. We hope to have opportunities to use Armourcoat again in the future.” Photography: © Chris Ambridge

Falco has completed the fourth cycle hub installation at The Telford Langley School in Telford as part of a new tranche of secure cycle hubs located at key areas across the borough.The scheme which got underway last year involves the design, manufacture, supply and installation of bespoke cycle hubs coupled with associated FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks to allow commuters, residents and visitors to quickly and conveniently park their bike whilst on the go.The latest 6m x 4m cycle hub as shown here at The Telford Langley School, is based upon the UK’s most popular cycle hub design – the FalcoHub, which is manufactured from a combination of a hot-dip galvanised steel frame with reinforced safety glass cladding. FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks have been installed providing secure accommodation for up to 28 bikes.A convenient FalcoFix 2.0 cycle station has been supplied allowing cyclists to inflate tyres and carry out basic cycle maintenance whilst on the go.The secure cycle hub also comes complete with proximity LED lighting, eye-catching ‘Travel Telford’ branding graphics and powder coating in an Anthracite Grey RAL colour.In addition to the cycle hub here at The Telford Langely School, Falco has also manufactured and installed three other cycle hubs for Telford & Wreking Council, with other cycle hubs located at Rampart Way – across the bridge from Telford Central Station, at Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre – to the right of the car park entrance, next to the Wellington Town Council building and at Oakengates Station – situated to the right side of the main entrance.The FalcoHub, as shown here for Telford & Wreking Council, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked.For more information about the scheme here for Telford & Wrekin Council or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

After embarking on a project to create high quality new learning pods to enhance its facilities, the last thing teachers, staff and children at Carr Lodge Academy in Doncaster were expecting was for excessive background noise to be so much of an issue that it stood in the way of their ability to use and enjoy them.The school wanted to create learning pods for each of its 1-6 year groups to provide a facility that could be used for extra learning, small group teaching or a break-out space for teachers and children. The building contractor appointed to construct the pods worked to an agreed specification and design, but the acoustic conditions that would result from the proposed usage of the spaces, the positioning of the pods and choice of materials for their fit-out was not fully realised. It was only when teachers and staff started using the learning pods that problems with echo and excessive sound reverberation were fully realised. This is a common acoustic issue which results from interiors that feature lots of hard, harsh reflective surfaces with the ultimate impact at Carr Lodge being that the pods were unsuitable for their purpose.The school sought specialist assistance to resolve the issues which started with an acoustic assessment and detailed acoustic report. And following a competitive tendering process, Hush Acoustics was appointed to complete the acoustic upgrade using its sound absorber panels.How absorption resolved the issueThe solution involved manufacturing and installing a series of Hush Absorber 50 panels which were strategically mounted on the walls of the learning pods. The Class A absorber panels are formulated using a 50mm thick acoustic foam which is hand finished in a high quality fabric applied on the face, edges and back – at Carr Lodge, the panels feature a green fabric to match the school’s aesthetics and contribute to the welcoming environment.Various sizes of panels were installed to fit the differing sized spaces within the school. Their positioning was dependent on the size and the layout of the learning pod for the year group. Some year group pods, for example, feature desks, so absorber panels have been installed to be continuous along the desk line, helping the children hear what is being said by teachers. In other desk-free learning pods, the panels were positioned on the walls – symmetrically where possible – to deliver an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically -effective result. Hush Absorber 50 panels work by absorbing soundwaves generated by speech and other sources in a way that hard surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and laminates do not. As a result, less sound is reflected back into the room, so the level of ambient noise is dramatically reduced to deliver a more acoustically comfortable environment that is far more conducive to learning.‘Huge difference’ to the learning environmentSarah Crampton, Principal at Carr Lodge Academy said: “Sound reverberation was causing us real problems and it meant that the learning pods – although fantastic in principle – simply didn’t serve the purpose for which they were intended.“The sound absorber panels have made a huge difference to the useability of our learning pods and provided a solution that did not require major, disruptive work. The quality of the solution provided by the Hush Acoustics team, and their service overall, has impressed everyone involved in this project.”

Rush Green Primary School, LondonClient: London Borough of Barking & DagenhamProduct: The Coniston Wall Mounted CanopySize: 16.3m x 2.2mFrame Colour: Hipca WhiteInstallation Date: June 2023Brief Having worked with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham before on a number of projects, they contacted us again regarding their most recent project at Rush Green Primary School. The school which is located in Dagenham were having works completed which included a single storey extension, internal alterations, and refurbishment. As part of the works, they required a wall mounted canopy in their quad courtyard area to provide shade and shelter all year round.Proposal As requested, we provided an estimate for a Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy with a length of 16.3 metres and a projection of 2.2 metres. Because the Coniston is mounted to a wall, it requires a suitable wall to fix to; the building at Rush Green Primary School was a block construction which was covered with render, which is one of the many ideal wall constructions for the Coniston’s requirements. In the case where a wall may not have a suitable construction for a wall mounted canopy, we can supply the Coniston as a free-standing canopy with rear posts. Alternatively, we also have a number of free standing canopies that are similar in appearance to the Coniston which are the Grange Free Standing Canopy and for those with lower budgets, the Grange Junior Free Standing Canopy.Solution Upon comparing our canopy quotation to two other companies, an order was placed for our Coniston Wall Mounted Canopy in May 2023.At the pre-site stage, there was a number of points to be discussed outside of the usual specifics which were:Foundations: Unless otherwise stated, foundations are included in all our canopy quotations. The flooring in at Rush Green Primary School featured raised decking, so we needed to investigate the area underneath the decking to check it was suitable for our foundations and they were.Access and Obstructions: The quad area features a pond which could have made an obstruction however, it was agreed that the pond would be covered over with strong boards so we could work over it.The canopy was installed at the start of June 2023 as scheduled with no problems along the way.If you have a similar project in mind, contact us today to request a free estimate or discuss a bespoke canopy with us.

Acoustics are a particular issue in swimming pools due to the large areas of tiling, and because water itself is also highly reflective of sound. Hawkins\Brown architects needed a material that would provide high performance sound absorption whilst being compatible with the specialist environmental conditions of a pool. As this is within a school, speech intelligibility is of particular importance for learning – and the BASWA discretely provides this crucial function. BASWA was chosen for its high acoustic performance and system quality including the marble surface coating, which may be used in high humidity environments as standard.

The Project New building built under the Governments flagship Priority School Building Plan.Demolition of KS1 accommodation and construction of replacement building.Dudley council received a grant of more than £2.5 million from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the work.  The Challenge All works to being undertaken in a live working educational environment, which places additional demands on the need for the highest health and safety standards on site. Modify vanity units to include for wall panelling to protect the painted walls from splashes from the sinks.  The SolutionEnsure Excelsior fitting teams have all necessary checks in place such a DBS for site works.Soldi Grade Laminate used through the scheme. Harlequin cubicles with profiled doors and partitions are an industry favourite for KS1 student.Wall panelling used above the wash basins to aid cleaning and maintenance and prolong the life of the wall finishings.SpecificationProduct Range: Harlequin Mariner SGLDoors: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Pilaster: 1960mm Overall Height including 150mm Floor ClearancePartition: 12mm Solid Grade Laminate, Polyrey, Pomme Verte, P092Ironmongery: SBAA

In transforming the reception area of a modern and thriving school, we were tasked with ensuring the security of reception staff while also facilitating the seamless interactions with visitors and managing deliveries effectively.To address this multifaceted requirement, we proposed the implementation of our heavy duty bi-parting serving hatch window system. This innovative solution offered maximum security, allowing reception staff to lock the window as needed to maintain control over access. However, it also featured a unique bi-parting action; when one window was manually pushed open, the adjacent window would simultaneously open, maximising the available opening space. This design not only enhanced security but also facilitated smooth and efficient service for visitors, enabling reception staff to manage interactions with ease while maintaining a secure environment.By combining functionality with security, our solution provided the school with a versatile and adaptable reception area that could accommodate a wide range of needs, from everyday visitor interactions to handling deliveries, all while prioritising the safety and security of reception staff.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525 and Bolidtop 525 TFColour – S 3500 - N830m2Architect – HCC ArchitectsMain Contractor - Morgan SindallInstallation dates - 2018Hampshire County Council were building a new two storey block for this rapidly expanding secondary school. The project was to use modern and sustainable building materials, and Stratum were asked to provide a seamless resin floor to fit in with the scheme. With longevity and aesthetic both key attributes, Bolidtop 525 was selected as the ideal solution. The library, classrooms, reception rooms and circulation spaces were provided with our standard finish Bolidtop 525, and the WC’s and cleaners cupboards were installed with our Bolidtop 525TF to give a more positive slip resistance in the wet. An integrated 150mm skirting was also used in the wet areas to create a watertight detail and for ease of cleaning. Hampshire were keen to use the same product on the stairs, and we were able to provide an excellent solution with the addition of a proprietary nosing. The nosing was selected to provide adequate LRV differential with the resin, and also to give maximum slip resistance to the stair. Our joint free tread/rise detail created an aesthetically pleasing yet robust detail for both the main and escape stairs.  Challenge-      To select a single flooring solution that was suitable for multiple areas, including the library, classrooms, WC’s, circulation areas, office space and stairs.-      To carefully programme in the work with the main contractor to ensure that the building conditions are suitable (watertight/dry/correct ambient temp), and also that key programme dates are met to facilitate follow on works. -      Coordination with other trades.-      To enable flush electrical floor boxes to be seamlessly incorporated within the floor.Solution-      Bolidtop 525 is sound attenuating, making for an ideal solution for the library and teaching spaces alike. The addition of an anti-slip additive to the top coats means that wet areas can be seamlessly interlinked with dry areas, with a virtually indistinguishable difference in appearance. The stairs worked very well with the addition of a proprietary nosing installed flush with the finished resin. Collaboration with M&E to ensure the correct floor boxes are procured and installed at the correct level.-      Stratum worked closely with Morgan Sindall to ensure there was a successful phased install, navigating around the project whilst maintaining access to adjoining areas for other key trades.-      To arrange delivery of materials in ample time.-      To ensure deliveries were arranged for, and were unloaded outside of school drop off and pick-up times.  Benefits/Installation-      Hampshire County Council had worked with Stratum and used Bolidt products on several projects before, and therefore they knew they were getting a resin floor of the highest quality and installation service to match.Result-      A seamless and elegant floor throughout this very modern school building, with different solutions provided to suit different areas around the building. The longevity of the floor will be proven over time in this very highly trafficked environment. “James is a very collaborative person to work with. He spots problems in good time and tackles them in a positive way. James worked with the design team and main contractor on the installation. He has also provided excellent advice on maintenance to the users of the building.” Rebecca Galbraith | Senior Architect | HCC Architects

In partnership with Inspired washrooms, Franke Water Systems UK have provided stainless steel hand sanitiser dispensers to Didsbury Road School, Stockport to encourage hand hygiene when the pupils return. Franke Water Systems were thrilled to provide Dart Valley branded AC00-050 free standing sanitiser dispensers for the entrance of the school before children returned on. The DVS branded touch-free hand sanitiser station is a floor standing dispenser with a premium stand. Manufactured from quality materials, this dispenser is perfect for environments with high footfall such as schools, universities, and other education facilities. The sturdy touch-free design comes with a large sanitiser tank and is battery operated, offering a touch-free, easy to install and low maintenance solution.  

The state-of-the-art new building provides a home for the Harper and Keele Veterinary School – a joint venture with Harper Adams University – on Keele’s campus. Black KlasseCLAD™ features heavily on the roof of this incredible project, providing an attractive aesthetic finish to the external ductwork.

Run by the Bohunt Education Trust (BET), Bohunt Secondary School in Wokingham first opened in 2016 with a £25 million build that saw partitioning experts, Style being specified to create a flexible room configuration in the main hall.Five years later and Style was invited back into Bohunt, working directly with their staff to deliver additional flexible space – this time in the library.Installing three separate Stylefold 120 folding walls adjacent to each other to corner off a section of the library, the school benefits from the ability to quickly redefine the space to house small classes and reading groups without disturbing the rest of the library.Buffered up against existing columns, each operable wall has a pass door to give staff and students ease of access, and the impressive 46dB acoustic rating means classes can enjoy the peace and quiet of a separate room when required.“This is a simple, yet very effective means of using a large open plan space and creating a separate, private room as and when required,” said Michael Porter, sales director for Style South.“The wall is very easy and quick to manoeuvre into position, and the chic melamine finish complements the design of the rest of the school library.”Style is the multi-award winning moveable, folding and partitioning wall specialist and the market leader in the UK. As the exclusive UK partner to Dorma Hüppe, Skyfold and SWG, Style offers an extensive range of moveable wall solutions for all requirements and budgets.“We have a very strong reputation in the education sector,” continued Michael, “with installations ranging from vertically rising, fully automatic moveable walls in large university lecture halls through to small folding walls in village primary schools.“We also have an in-house design team who can advise on making the best use of space, and in the case of Bohunt school, we were able to work directly with them to design and install the perfect solution.”

GEC Anderson's Decimetric range of stainless steel worktops, sinks, base cabinets and wall cabinets were the preferred choice of architects Curl La Tourelle in the 1.8m sports hall project at St Michael's RC High at Garston, Hertfordshire.The specialist sinks, base units and wall cabinets were used in fitting out the new First Aid Room and P.E Staff Office. The school, specifier and contractor were all very pleased with the units that were supplied and installed by GEC Anderson.GEC Anderson use a combination of highly efficient, state-of-the-art, automated manufacturing processes and skilled craftsmen to produce a stainless steel finish that provides visual simplicity, intrinsic quality, durability, safety and hygiene that were considered desirable in the project.The work features in an impressive new brick and cedar clad building, which transforms the public face of the voluntarily aided secondary school, as well as providing a new activities hall.GEC Anderson supplied and fitted: • Decimetric commercial grade stainless steel sink top with corner cut out, integral up-stand and lipped edges • Integrated sink bowls with outlet and overflow fittings • Stainless steel base cabinets with hinged doors, integral handles and adjustable feet and full length stainless steel plinth • Stainless steel wall cabinets with adjustable shelves and hinged doors, again with integral handlesGEC Anderson Managing Director, Martin Tye, comments “This was an interesting project for GEC Anderson and it provides a really excellent example of the effective use of our Decimetric System.”Due to its modularity, Decimetric can be extremely cost-effective, thereby enabling the use of high quality stainless steel in areas that can definitely benefit from the durability and professionalism associated with stainless steel but where cost might otherwise be prohibitive.Martin added “Curl La Tourelle have specified GEC Anderson products in a number of other schools, which is always pleasing.”GEC Anderson's Decimetric range is a cost effective, versatile solution, because its modular system can be specified in 100mm increments. Products are fabricated under ISO 9001 compliant conditions in modern workshops.The hard-wearing brushed satin stainless steel finish ensures the retention of a professional appearance, even after heavy use in the most demanding of environments.

Ceilings from four ranges were specified to suit particular needs throughout this four storey school and meet BB93 requirements. David Woolley from The Laurus Trust, “The brief had significant environmental, educational and financial challenges. Architects Pozzoni have faced each of these head on with great creativity. They have developed a fabulous design ….” Design Manager Lee Parker, BAM, “We collaborated with Rockfon to create the ceiling specifications proposal and then liaised with the acousticians Ramboll and Graham Flynn of installers, Sound Interiors, to ensure the varied demands of each space were successfully met.”

Speltham Contacts Ltd. contacted us because they were working on a project at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. They were undergoing a big extension to allow them to cater for 105 extra children. Morgan Carn Partnership Architects who were also working on the project, specified a curved free standing timber canopy with a polycarbonate roof system and aluminium guttering.

Tamworth based fabricators Window and Door Maintenance Services have completed phase two of the development of Ashlawn School based in Rugby. The extension of the Expressive Arts Centre provides a new centre for students and teachers to collaborate on creative projects in state-of-the-art facilities. Kestrel Aluminium System’s products specified included both thermal and non-thermal ground floor treatment, commercial doors and the 60mm window suite.

Trent is a village and civil parish in northwest Dorset, in the beautiful Yeo Valley. The Trent Conservation Area was designated in February 1970. Many of its structures are listed due to their historical and architectural significance, including Medieval and Tudor buildings.  From 1835 to 1875, Reverend Turner and his wife occupied the village rectory. Together, they built a great number of the buildings that are still in the village today, including the Alms Houses. In 1862, the Turners constructed the National School which was to be for girls and infants. Throughout the years, the National School has seen many changes, including the introduction of boys and the expansion of the buildings. Unsurprisingly, the original metal windows at the school were not fit for purpose and the time came to replace them. This required sensitivity, as it was imperative the new windows looked similar to the originals. The Clement Brooking range was specified because the slim, strong frames could replicate the wonderful shaped heads of the existing windows and they could be fixed directly to stone. The 16mm krypton filled units offer the much-improved thermal performance required and, like all Clement windows, the frames could be fitted with restrictors, essential for safety.Ros Baker, the Deputy Headteacher said: “We are so pleased with the finished result! The transformation the windows have made to our school and local area is fantastic. Many local residents have also commented positively on the ‘new look’ windows. They have been sympathetically upgraded, in keeping with the original school building, and have had a positive impact on our school environment. Furthermore, there was no impact on the staff or the children during the refurbishment.”

In the nursery toilet cubicles, Bushboard’s Tiny Stuff range was chosen with colours including Buttermilk, Winter and Bayleaf. The staff chose Solid Surface wash troughs in Celestial to compliment the soft colour palette.The sports building at Croydon High School was also fitted with new toilet cubicles and ezeeduct panelling. The project was completed with perimeter benching in SGL and wall mounted coat hooks.Read the whole case study on our website.

When Cardiff High school needed a high-quality multi-use sports flooring solution for their main hall, they chose international flooring specialist Gerflor to supply 700m2 of their world class Taraflex® Multi-Use vinyl sports floor. Gerflor also supplied an Isolsport underlay and their ubiquitous Taraflex® Bateco moveable protective covering which would ensure that the Taraflex® sports floor would remain protected during non-sporting activities.The contracting responsibility for the sports floor would be undertaken by Cardiff-based Floor Furnishings Limited. Nick Jefferies, Company Director, Floor Furnishings Ltd commented, “Gerflor’s Taraflex sports floor was extremely easy to lay. The Isolsport underlay also supplied by Gerflor, enabled us to lay the Taraflex Multi-Use directly over the existing concrete floor, this was a real benefit as the project was on a very tight schedule, due to the hall being required for exams.”The Taraflex® Multi-Use is a P1 category sports flooring, designed for both sport and non-sport use making it ideal for multi-purpose areas. Taraflex® Multi-Use protects users with excellent shock absorption and impact protection of 25% to 35%. Yet it’s tough enough to protect itself against non-sport demands often found in many education environments such as the movement of tables, chairs, and exercise equipment.

Winchmore School has completed a washroom refit specifying Franke’s Uridan waterless urinal pods. The Uridan system is available exclusively through Franke Sissons in the UK and Ireland and is manufactured from glass reinforced plastic which is far more resilient than ceramic and provides reassuring security against vandalism. Adrian Bailey, Facilities Manager at Winchmore School explained, “We wanted a waterless solution to reduce water use and maintenance costs. There are other water-free products available for this type of installation but we wanted assurance it would stand the wear and tear of secondary school pupils and be completely odour free.”

Aberfoyle Primary School – Stirling, ScotlandProduct: Denver Timber Cycle ShelterSize: 6.2m x 1.6mTimber Frame Stain Colour: Light OakContractor: AKP Scotland Ltd.Architect: Wardell ArmstrongInstallation Date: May 2021The BriefAKP Scotland Ltd. are an award-winning principal contractor based in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were working on a project at Aberfoyle Primary School in Stirling which required a complete refurbishment of their stunning gothic style, 151-year-old listed building.Part of the project included the requirement for a cycle shelter within the school’s nursery playground. The Architects, Wardell Armstrong specified our Denver Timber Cycle Shelter in the setting out drawings, which were then sent to us to us an invitation to tender by AKP Scotland Ltd.The Solution Because the product had already been specified, this was a simple case of sending over our costs for the size required which was 6.2m x 1.6m.The Denver is constructed from stunning curved Glulam timber beams which are manufactured by gluing together laminates of timber under pressure and heat that are then perfectly planed. The resulting beams are strong, stable, and corrosion proof with significant advantages over structural steel and concrete.This makes the Denver Timber Cycle Shelter a great choice for this project; because the school building was a very old, listed building, the aesthetics of a curved timber structure would fit in perfectly, keeping a traditional, natural appearance.The Installation An order was placed in December 2020 with the installation planned for May 2021 as set out in the contractors’ building programme. The contractor installed a concrete base and the installation of the shelter went ahead as scheduled on 24-26th May 2021, taking just two days to install.The contractor supplied and installed the cycle hoops themselves once we had left site.The end result is a striking curved timber cycle shelter that fits in flawlessly with the recently refurbished Early Year’s playground area, finishing the project off perfectly.

The proven cost and time saving credentials of award-winning Altro XpressLay safety flooring led it to being selected for installation in 27 new schools being built in the North East of England.

Welcoming tomorrow’s doctors today at Lincoln Medical School is a 110 square metre living wall, full of healthy greenery and packing a sustainable punch alongside the building’s photovoltaic solar panels.

Based in Somerset, Taunton School was founded all the way back in 1847. While the building’s stunning exterior has been immaculately preserved in the years since, the interior has of course been routinely upgraded during that time in order to support the ever-evolving demands of educational environments – including the recent installation of our Type G100 movable wall system.Type G100 is a glazed partition system that provides effective protection again sound transfer when fully closed, achieving up to Rw 54dB. This particular system is comprised of 10 panels, with half being glass and the other half sporting a solid matte black finish – all housed within a sleek black painted aluminium frame.Thanks to the Type G100, the school’s cafeteria layout can changed within minutes, offering the choice between a large open plan space, or a pair of smaller rooms. A fully solid system would not allow for the transfer of natural light to the smaller of the two spaces created when the system is in use, however the glazed panels mean this is not an issue. A pass door also allows for access between the smaller spaces when the panels are being used.

The new Brookfield Business School 7-acre Campus brings together a sympathetically restored, 19th century mansion with a new three-storey three-gabled, copper clad extension and elliptical lecture theatre. Senior’s slim profile SF52 thermally enhanced curtain walling and SPW600 Windows were used throughout the extension to create a comfortable, light and airy environment. For the main entrances, Senior’s robust SPW501 Commercial Doors provide both security and longevity for these high traffic areas. This was a complex project which required precision, close co-operation between all sub-contractors and 3D BIM modelling to ensure co-ordination of all the elements involved.

Little Ilford, Eastbrook and Eastbury Schools all presented distinctive design challenges in terms of access, safety and flow around the building. Added to this was the ever-present pressure to meet with the required standards for a public sector project, which included the need to use BIM level 2 throughout the design and build process.

High volume of traffic, heavy use, accessibility and easy cleaning – contemporary sanitary facilities in schools are subject to very demanding requirements. Due to the fact that ceramic tiles have proven their worth as a practical and attractive covering for walls and floors in these settings, the PRO ARCHITECTURA system concept from Villeroy & Boch Tiles was used for the renovation of various sanitary areas in the Cologne-Zündorf school centre. At the Zündorf school centre in Cologne-Porz – comprising Lessing high school, Wilhelm-Busch secondary school and Johann-Amos-Comenius general secondary school – a total of approx. 1,800 students are taught by nearly 140 teachers. The school buildings were constructed in the 1970s, and have been continuously extended ever since. In 2016, work included the spatial optimisation and modernisation of the approx. 250 m² toilet facilities in the main building. The Cologne architecture firm spies architekten developed a colour concept for this project that combines a light and a dark shade of a colour in each setting, to create harmonious contrasts in each area. The resulting colour schemes offer different looks: more feminine rust shades, masculine blues, and fresh variants of green and turquoise. Accessibility requirements were also taken into account. The white sanitary elements are mounted on the darker colours in order to ensure a stark contrast with the walls, allowing them to be more easily recognised even by those with impaired vision. PRO ARCHITECTURA from Villeroy & Boch Tiles made it possible to successfully implement the architects’ design specifications. The colour matrix offers a broad spectrum of classic and contemporary colours in a variety of gradations, while the modular formats on a 100-mm grid provide additional planning scope. This allowed 10 x 10 cm tiles to be laid in staggered arrangements that bring the wall joints to life. The PRO ARCHITECTURA range is equally impressive from a practical standpoint: The ceramic tiles are durable, scratch- and crack-resistant, and do not wear down, even after decades of use. They are also easy to clean and particularly hygienic, as their surfaces are so dense that micro-organisms hardly stand a chance. The ceramic material itself does not give off any vapours, nor does it take on smells, which means that it is also recommended in terms of building biology. And, tiles from Villeroy & Boch are sustainable, because they are made entirely of natural components that occur naturally in almost unlimited quantities, are manufactured by means of environment-friendly processes and are completely recyclable.

We completed this large redevelopment of this school’s playground in Ealing, West London, over the summer holidays. The teachers were looking for two separate zones for older and younger children, with the junior zone to feature challenging, stimulating equipment .The Lappset Motoric Track acted as a perfect centrepiece for the area, being able to entertain large numbers of users for busy break and lunch times. The 6 tower structure features interlinked climbing nets, rope bridges, fireman’s pole, a large slide, climbing panels, and much more, giving hours of endless fun. A space net climbing frame is positioned adjacent to the track, providing additional climbing and challenge for older aged children.The younger age zone is comprised of an exciting multiplay structure, natural themed trim trail, and two crawl tunnels under earth mounds.The equipment was constructed from glue laminate timber and green panelling, to blend in with the treelined surroundings of the play area. For the surfacing elements of the works, artificial grass was selected, to compliment the natural aesthetic. 

Gradus' Stratus carpet in Flint (grey) was installed in all of the school classrooms. The carpet forms a clean, blank canvas for the bright accent colours of the furniture and fittings.Primary barrier matting from the Esplanade range was installed to the main entrance and all side entrances reducing the amount of tracked-in dirt and moisture.ADM1 aluminium stair edgings with Jet (black) slip-resistant inserts were fitted to all staircases defining the step and helping to ensure the safety of all users circulating between floors.

Rambert School of Ballet called upon Harlequin to provide professional standard dance floors for both additional areas. A high quality floor was essential as the correct dance floor makes an important contribution to the safe performance of dancers, reducing the risk of slips and falls, or longer-term stress injuries. Harlequin Cascade with BioCote Antimicrobial Protection was the perfect solution for both areas as it provided added reassurance in a time when it was most needed. Harlequin Liberty was also installed in the marquee.

With the introduction of new sports areas and a sixth form college, The Belper School faced a significant shortage of parking spaces. The growing demand for additional parking became evident as staff, visitors, and students resorted to parking on grassed areas. Consequently, numerous muddy patches emerged around the school grounds, negatively impacting the area's aesthetics and making it increasingly inaccessible. Moreover, this led to an increase in the amount of mud brought inside the school, placing a greater burden on the caretaking and cleaning staff.To address the drainage issues and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete or tarmac, the school opted for X-Grid® as a permeable alternative for traditional car park surfacing. The school identified several areas around the premises as suitable locations for the car parks and proceeded to excavate them. A compacted hardcore base made of MoT-type stone was used to establish a strong and stable sub-base for the X-Grid®. By placing a geotextile membrane over the hardcore, the school minimised the risk of weed growth and created a separation layer between the build-up layers. The X-Grid® was then installed on a well-screeded sand blinding layer and filled with durable decorative gravel.By replacing the existing grassed areas with X-Grid® filled with gravel, Belper School successfully resolved their overcrowded car parks without the need for additional drainage infrastructure. The highly permeable nature of X-Grid® facilitated the controlled dispersion of surface water back into the water table. Consequently, the amount of mud around the school grounds was significantly reduced, virtually eliminating it altogether. This enabled the availability of parking spaces throughout the year, providing staff, visitors, and students with ample parking options while preserving the aesthetic appeal of their surroundings. Moreover, the use of X-Grid® ensured that the gravel remained in place, eliminating migration and greatly reducing surface maintenance requirements, thus keeping the areas looking as attractive as possible.