Staffordshire, ST14 5HN
Denstone College – Science Laboratory Refurbishment
First Class Science Facilities for Denstone College
Opened in 1873, Denstone College on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 11-18.
Denstone was built in the 1870’s in a Victorian gothic style and many of the school’s buildings are grade II listed.
The school’s mission is to inspire, foster curiosity, and promote understanding by delivering exceptional education both inside and outside the classroom. It aims to offer opportunities that uphold the highest standards of academic achievement, in an environment where students are supported in reaching their full potential.
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The brief
The school’s science laboratories needed to be updated to align with the demands of the 21st-century curriculum and offer cutting-edge facilities.
The old furniture, set up in a traditional long bench arrangement, created a dim and uninspiring environment. Meanwhile, the lack of adequate storage resulted in cluttered surfaces and overcrowded open shelving, filled with books and equipment.
Innova was selected as one of three companies to tender for the refurbishment of two science labs, a dry lab, and a prep room. Innova secured the project by offering innovative designs, including the distinctive ‘Hot Corner’ layout, practical teacher walls, and hidden services, transforming the spaces into modern, efficient learning environments.
Denstone College: Where tradition meets innovation, inspiring the next generation of researchers and scientists.
The solution
Innova’s Hot Corners concept offers a flexible arrangement for science labs, seamlessly blending classroom and practical laboratory functions within a single space. By relocating the teacher to the long wall of the room, the design shortens lines of communication, fostering a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.
Collaborating closely with Denstone’s site manager to an agreed timing plan, Innova delivered a furniture-focused solution, including the design, manufacture, and installation of bright, durable Velstone work surfaces and benches to replace the outdated wooden ones.
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The new work units, equipped with built-in storage, help maintain clean, clutter-free surfaces. The addition of teacher walls integrates essential teaching resources, from interactive TVs to whiteboards and display spaces, along with storage for books and equipment.
To further optimise the space, sinks were relocated from student benches to the perimeter of the room, and power outlets were moved to the front face of the units, creating more room for students to focus on theory work.
Spotlight on interiors
Education
Laboratory & Prep Rooms State-of-the-art, flexible laboratories to engage students and accommodate different teaching styles
Education
Food & Nutrition Rooms Eye catching, practical, safe Food & Nutrition (food technology) rooms, to motivate learning
Education
ICT Suites Accessible, ergonomic, low-maintenance ICT suites to keep pace with learning technologies
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0161 4775300
hello@innovadesigngroup.co.uk