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FEATURED PROJECTS
We have selected some of our favourite projects from our recent work, including laboratories, food technology rooms, specialist teaching spaces and communal areas. They exemplify the broad scope of our work. Select the project to see more details.
Laboratories
Laboratories
CLEAPSS
We were extremely proud to have been chosen by CLEAPSS to design and refurbish the organisation’s new headquarters.
We were asked to look at several dedicated workspaces from refurbishment of individual offices to a brand new fully functioning training and teaching laboratory. Initially, we produced 2D layouts before supplying a number of 3D visualisations to help the CLEAPSS team fully understand the proposed layout and how the final designs would look.
The main training laboratory features large student islands, specifically set up for practical demonstrations and scientific experiments with all having access to gas taps, water and electrical sockets. A terminal was built in to one of these islands to allow for a mobile fume cupboard to be connected for further ‘hands-on’ demonstrations.
To the perimeter of the laboratory, we fitted a mix of standard base and Gratnell tray units with worktops and wall mounted units to allow for maximum storage. All worktops were Velstone silver dust, and all storage units finished in graphite grey. Red stools were added to give the room a splash of colour.
In the Prep room we designed a central island configuration, with working height tables under which mobile Gratnell tray units sit. These tables and tray units were all fitted with heavy duty castors to allow for maximum flexibility within the space. To the perimeter we fitted base units with Velstone worktops and some dedicated knee spaces to allow the technicians to work. We also fitted large Belfast fireclay sinks with Broen laboratory taps.
Within the DT space we supplied and fitted a number of timber topped tables, again with heavy duty castors to allow them to be moved and placed in several configurations. We also installed a small workstation to the perimeter with Belfast sink and laboratory taps.
The Eastwood Academy
Shield were asked to complete this large turnkey project which required the full refurbishment of two teaching rooms, 4 laboratories and a technician's room.
We built dedicated student islands which have gas and electrical supply which all faced forward for improved student / teacher communication. We installed new perimeter units which incorporated Gratnell storage trays, new fireclay sinks, gas taps and new electrical sockets. Storage cupboards featured locking doors for extra security.
Within the Prep room we installed a number of tall Gratnell tray units for maximum storage and created and dedicated desk for the laboratory technicians.
All plumbing, electrical works, flooring and full decorations were completed by us and all rooms featured a distinctive wall matching the school colours.
Holy Family Catholic School
The rooms were in a fairly ’tired’ state and all were fairly small and not able to accommodate the requirement to teach 32 pupils during lessons.
We suggested a fxed ‘pod’ style approach for the services with loose tables to fit between each pod.
We installed new perimeter units which incorporated Gratnell storage trays, new fireclay sinks, gas taps and new electrical sockets.
New bespoke teacher desks were installed with all relevant services running to them.
Perimeter units were finished with graphite grey doors with light grey trim, teacher desks were finished in light grey to complement the overall look. All worktops were Trespa grey speckle. Matching storage cupboards including student bag storage were installed.
To further aid storage and to provide a focal point for teaching, dedicated teacher walls were installed in all rooms and fitted with sliding whiteboard doors and each incorporated an interactive screen.
Cliff Park Academy
We created 2 laboratories to dramatically improve exiting tired and dark teaching facilities.
We installed a suspended ceiling with energy efficient lighting and supplied all services to fixed island desks neatly concealed in a central unit. Matching storage cupboards including student bag storage were installed.
Following the successful refurbishment of the first two laboratories, we were asked to return and complete a further two. We completed a full rip-out before installing new flooring, suspended ceiling and full classroom furniture and storage solutions.
Food Technology
Aylesbury Grammar School
Shield were asked to convert an existing, but unused Design and Technology room into a Food Technology classroom to accommodate 22 students.
We built stud walls to the entire room perimeter to enable water, waste and electricity to service dedicated student cooking stations.
Our design allowed each pair of students to access an oven, hob and dedicated sink within their workspace whilst also having full sight of a dedicated teacher’s cooking station.
In addition to work within the main teaching space we incorporated a dedicated office and preparation room into our design.
This project required a full ‘turnkey’ approach from Shield, with all structural works, ceiling, flooring, furniture, decoration, and all electrical and plumbing works undertaken.
Beaconsfield High School
We completely re-modelled and refurbished an existing Food Technology classroom which facilitated an increase in students able to access the space and allowed for more practical, teacher led demonstrations to take place within the room.
We completed an initial rip-out of all existing appliances and furniture. This included removing the existing main door into the room and replacing with a new one in a different location. Moving the main doorway facilitated services to reach the perimeter of the room which allowed for a more teacher focused layout.
We installed new units throughout the room by introducing workstation ‘islands’ across the centre of the room. This layout allows a pair of students to have access to an oven, hob, sink and additional power sockets.All the ovens were built-in to our base units and electric induction hobs inserted into Velstone worktops.
We installed a new bespoke teachers desk complete with hob / oven, dedicated sink and electrical sockets.
Broadland High School
This school had a strong and well utilised food technology department, but the existing layout was not particularly conducive to teacher focused demonstrations.
The school were also keen to create a commercial and professional feel to the room as they wanted to inspire their students to a potential career in professional catering.
Our design allowed for two central ‘islands’ with storage units, six sinks, ovens, hobs and dedicated preparation area on each. Each island accommodates twelve students working in pairs.
To achieve this aspirational layout required the demolition and relocation of an existing plant room and full floor chasing for services to the islands. In addition, we laid new flooring, installed a suspended ceiling, introduced a full air handling system, and fully decorated throughout.
The Beacon School
This school had a strong and well utilised food technology department, but the existing layout was not particularly conducive to teacher focused demonstrations.
The school wanted a dynamic and interactive space designed to facilitate hands-on learning experiences and to promote healthy eating habits and culinary skills among their students.
The school were also keen to create a commercial and professional feel to the room as they wanted to inspire their students to a potential career in professional catering.
Our design allowed for professional student islands with hob, oven and sink for the students to work in pairs. As this school is a junior school the islands were built at a lower level to allow the students to easily reach all the equipment on the workstation.
All worktops were finished in stainless steel and a large teacher island at the front of the room facilitated detailed demonstrations. In addition, we laid new flooring, installed a suspended ceiling, introduced a full air handling system, and fully decorated throughout.
The school wanted a dynamic and interactive space designed to facilitate hands-on learning experiences and to promote healthy eating habits and culinary skills among their students.
The school were also keen to create a commercial and professional feel to the room as they wanted to inspire their students to a potential career in professional catering.
Our design allowed for professional student islands with hob, oven and sink for the students to work in pairs. As this school is a junior school the islands were built at a lower level to allow the students to easily reach all the equipment on the workstation.
All worktops were finished in stainless steel and a large teacher island at the front of the room facilitated detailed demonstrations. In addition, we laid new flooring, installed a suspended ceiling, introduced a full air handling system, and fully decorated throughout.
Education Environments
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
6th Form Hall
Internal Hall Refurbishment
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.
The Façade
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.
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.
The Façade
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.
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Dining Room
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.
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.
Aylesbury Grammar Reception & Staff Room
Reception
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 throughout, a unique display large display case and a large, glazed glass ‘box’, which formed a secure foyer to the entrance of the building.
Reception furniture was introduced, creating a lounge area where visitors to the school could wait in comfort.
Staff Room
Dr Challoners 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.
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.
St Mary's School Toilet Refurbishment
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.
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.
Let's talk
We would love to discuss your plans for future projects or answer any questions.
Drop us an email or give us a call and we'll be happy to talk.
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