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EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
6th Form & Facade
Shield were asked to transform an existing hall with stage into a state-of-the-art Sixth Form common room. This comprehensive renovation project significantly enhanced both the hall area and the stage, boosting functionality and aesthetics.
The hall area received a major facelift. A new wood effect acoustic floor was laid throughout the space. A double door was installed to connect to the adjoining sixth form seating area, requiring wall modifications and electrical rerouting. New seating and desks now accommodate at least 200 students, with some seats equipped with electrical sockets for charging laptops. All the lower walls received new brick slips to give a warm, traditional feel, while the upper walls were plastered and painted, and existing steel beams were painted black. Additionally, pipework was boxed in, and the roof was insulated and redecorated. New lighting and acoustic insulation completed the hall's transformation.
The stage also saw significant upgrades. Internal proscenium walls were removed, and the stage floor was repaired and covered with a combination of wood effect planks and carpet. Two new glass offices were installed on the left side, providing ventilated, secure workspaces. A rising platform was added for wheelchair access, and a snack bar/coffee shop was set up at the back right, complete with necessary power and water services. The front steps were refurbished, and a new solid ash handrail was installed across the front of the stage. The stage area was decorated to match the hall, including feature planting and sofas for added comfort.
The revitalised Main Hall now serves as a vibrant, functional common room, reflecting the schools dedication to enhancing educational facilities while preserving historical integrity.
Shield completed the renovation of the Main Hall's facade wall facing the chapel cloisters. The project aimed to harmonize the facade with the rest of the cloisters, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity.
The previous infill wall was replaced with a new one that mirrors the brick and flint construction of the surrounding walls. The design included two stained glass feature windows, additional windows, and a double door leading into the hall, all aligned with the original design guidelines.
Matching the existing wall dimensions, the new facade extended slightly beyond the original width. Though not load-bearing, it was built to appear robust, with a cavity wall and insulated lower brickwork. Secured to the existing steel frame, the facade included additional horizontal supports where needed.
A central false extended buttress with a ridge was added for visual impact, extending just above the gutter line to conceal the roof from ground view. High-quality brick and flintwork, guided by detailed references and the local heritage officer, ensured the facade's visual appeal. All flints were required to be knapped by hand.
The facade featured centrally positioned double doors opening onto the cloisters, with stained glass windows above them. Additional windows were placed to create a first-floor illusion, with lower windows set at least 1 meter above ground level and partially obscured for privacy.
The Main Hall's renovated facade wall now seamlessly integrates with the chapel cloisters, enhancing the school's historic charm and functionality
Aylesbury Grammar School –
Staff Room
We were asked to create a relaxed space where teachers and staff could interact and find their own area during breaks in the school day. We provided varied height seating to allow for dining, working and relaxing in comfort. The colour palette was chosen to feel bright and stimulating proving a distinctive 'sanctuary' from the standard school decor.
We provided a fully equipped kitchen area with boiling water dispenser, a feature planting wall and screened areas featuring the school logo. A large screen TV and lockable storage were designed into the scheme and movable furniture allowed for flexibility.
Newlands Girls’ School –
Sixth Form
Shield were invited to develop some layouts and designs which would allow the Sixth form students to have an aspirational space to study, relax and dine.
We produced our designs in 3D to enable both the head teacher and business manager to envisage the completed space.
As space was at a premium we introduced 2 large fixed seating areas to the perimeter of the room which had charging sockets built into the bases.
A solid ash trellis was introduced to span part of the room which helped to break up the space into speciific zones.
All elements were specifically chosen by us, all fabrics, finishes, colours, and materials. All were chosen to fit together as a ‘family’ to create an overall look which is both stylish and aspirational.
Berkhamsted Girls School –
Artrooms
We were tasked with refurbishing a number of art rooms which comprised 2 teaching spaces, 2 sink and washup areas and a printing area. The school required a number of distinct storage solutions for specific paper sizes / folders, sewing machines and general storage of art materials.
We installed a number of perimeter Gratnell tray units and bespoke plan chest drawers to store both art materials and large paper sheets. The drawer units were fitted with heavy duty drawer runners to accommodate a number of sheets.
We also designed, fitted and installed bespoke student storage units for the safe keeping of student portfolios. Each shelf was fitted with a name plate to allow each student to have a dedicated safe space for their artwork.
All sink areas included fireclay Belfast sinks with heavy duty Trespa worktops to ensure they could be cleaned and meet the demands of a heavily utilised art department.
New display boards and twin-slot shelving were hung to enable the students to display their favourite pieces of art.
Aylesbury College -
Courtroom
Aylesbury college wanted to give many of their law students access to a more immersive experience when role-playing in court case scenario.
We were asked to give an existing classroom the look and feel of a modern day courtroom.
We creating a timber partition across the room with an entrance into thee ‘court’ area. We raised the floor under the judges desk so that the desk would be higher than the others in the space.
We fitted wooden slatted acoustic panels to the wall behind the judge which whilst helping to deaden the sound with the space also added a contemporary courtroom feel.
We supplied and fitted a number of other desks for the defendant, clerk of the court and both the prosecution and the defence teams.
Prior to any works starting we produced a number of 3D visuals which allowed the college to get a sense of how the completed job would look.
Beaconsfield High School –
Dining Hall
Beaconsfield High School wanted to vastly improve the student dining experience by refurbishing their existing canteen. The school’s senior leadership team wanted to create a restaurant feel to the space rather than a canteen/refectory style approach.
It was also imperative that the flow of students into the canteen was improved and that the number of students the canteen could cater for was increased to 350.
Aylesbury Grammar School –
Reception Area
As part of a large construction project which re-modelled the main entrance to the school, Shield were asked to design and deliver a fully functioning new reception area which would give visitors a fantastic first impression.
We produced several drawings including a number of 3D renders which helped the school team visualise our designs. We fitted a bespoke reception desk, feature lighting a unique display case and a large, glazed glass ‘box’ which formed a secure foyer to the entrance of the building.
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Dining Hall
Shield completed of a major renovation of the school dining hall, significantly enhancing the dining experience for students and staff. The project involved refurbishing the kitchen, creating a new freezer storage area, and expanding the seating capacity through the addition of a mezzanine floor and feature lighting.
Kitchen - The outdated kitchen was completely removed, though the existing service infrastructure was retained. The kitchen's working area was expanded by utilizing unused space and extending into the seating area, allowing for a longer servery and the addition of up to three till points. The upgraded kitchen now offers a variety of hot and cold meals, with menus decided in collaboration with staff, students, and contract caterers. The layout was designed with input from the current catering contractor, ensuring an efficient and modern workspace.
Freezer Storage - Previously, freezers were stored in the back of the kitchen and within the seating area, limiting dining space. To address this, part of an adjacent geography classroom was converted into a new freezer storage room, featuring necessary insulation and power. An acoustic stud partition was built at the rear of the classroom, creating a dedicated space for freezers with an access door to the kitchen. Minimal decorative work ensured the remaining classroom continued to function effectively.
Seating Area - The most significant transformation was the creation of a mezzanine floor above the existing seating area, adding space for at least 100 students and increasing total seating capacity to over 200. Structural checks ensured the current floor could support the new mezzanine, which was fixed to the main building structure. A wide staircase was installed into the corner for easy access, and feature lighting was added to enhance the ambiance.
The ground floor was restored and reconfigured to include an extended servery, standalone food cabinets, and three payment tills. Existing windows at the new first-floor level were inspected for safety and ventilation. The entire canteen and kitchen were decorated and fitted with small down lights and LED strip.
The renovated canteen now offers a modern, spacious, and well-lit dining area, greatly improving the lunchtime experience for everyone at the school.
St. Mary's School Toilets
We were asked to look at a number of toilet blocks at St. Mary’s School, Gerrards Cross. Four student and one staff toilet area were completely updated. New bright coloured cubicles were installed. We cladded all walls in a smooth finish for easy cleaning, replaced flooring and installed all new sanitary ware and sinks. New showers were installed in the staff toilet and in the sports changing facility for the students.
Feature lighting was installed to create a warm feel within each individual cubicle and within the main toilet block speakers were fitted in the ceiling to allow for music to be played. New ventilation was designed and delivered in all areas.
We produced several drawings including a number of 3D renders which helped the school team visualise our designs.
Abbot’s Hill School - Art Room
We were instructed to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of the existing Art Room and adjoining storage area. This included supplying and installing perimeter storage units and plan chests. We also changed the Belfast sinks for large stainless-steel sinks with drainers and provided large mobile student work stations with pepperpot stools. Desktop easels were also supplied.
Dr Challoner's High School – 6th Form
Following the completion of building a new sixth form block, Shield were invited to develop some layouts and designs which would allow the Sixth form students to have an aspirational space to study, relax and dine.
We produced our designs in 3D to enable both the head teacher and business manager to envisage the completed space.
We designed and built several bespoke items to give the room various zones including a large, fixed seating area which was finished with a seemingly ‘fix’ free glazed panel, a solid Ash trellis which spanned the room and several bespoke large tables each with incorporated charging points.
A real feature of the room was a very large grey onyx ‘floating’ table which could seat 18 students. The table was 5m in length and we designed and built a dedicated metal subframe to support a thick, chunky tabletop.
All elements were specifically chosen by us, all fabrics, finishes, colours, and materials. All were chosen to fit together as a ‘family’ to create an overall look which is both stylish and aspirational.
Bottisham Village College -
Library
As part of the school refurbishment programme, the existing library was relocated to the old main school hall. We had to ensure that the bookshelves could be accessible to all students and members of the local community, who are encouraged to share the facilities which include a soft seating for younger users. We manufactured the bookshelves in Hacienda White from Egger with graphite grey shelves. We supplied a large reception desk for the librarians’ use finished in walnut. We installed bespoke lightbulb shaped work areas complete with centralised power and USB charging pods.
Beaconsfield High School Toilets -
Two toilet facilities were completely updated. We cladded all walls in a smooth finish for easy cleaning, replaced flooring and installed all new sanitary ware and sinks. The units were fully integrated and featured touches toilet flush and sink taps for improved hygiene.
Following the Phase 1 toilet upgrades, we refurbished a further eight toilets providing access for students, staff and disabled facilities.
They were further enhanced by the provision of shelving and decorative planting in distinctive coloured crates.
