Preston, PR1 0JE
Penwortham Priory Academy – Laboratory Refurbishment
Laboratory Refurbishment to Enhance Science Learning
Located in Preston, Penwortham Priory Academy stands out for its exceptional educational facilities, ranking among the best in Lancashire. As part of a £750,000 investment, the school set out to elevate its science education by undertaking a major renovation of its laboratories, transforming them into state-of-the-art learning environments.
Originally constructed in the mid-1950s, the school’s laboratories had been central to Penwortham Priory Academy’s science education for decades. Notably, these labs gained international attention in 2014 when student Jamie Edwards set a world record there, becoming the youngest person ever to achieve nuclear fusion—a groundbreaking achievement that inspired both the school and the broader scientific community. However, as educational methods and technological requirements evolved, the aging labs no longer met the needs of a modern science facility.
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The brief
After partnering with staff and students at Penwortham on a pilot for our Lab of the Future competition, Innova was thrilled to secure the contract to support this progressive school in transforming its science labs, equipping them for the next generation of scientists.
The project aimed to design an open-plan learning environment that would foster more cohesive, collaborative approaches to science education. Enhanced facilities were planned to inspire a deeper interest in STEM subjects. by enabling hands-on study and investigation. These cutting-edge labs would feature both wet and dry workspaces, preparation areas, and a dedicated research zone.
With an eye on the future, the school sought to replace traditional, enclosed labs with a more sophisticated, workplace-inspired setting. This modern layout was intended to prepare students for the professional environments they may encounter after Penwortham, blending functionality with a real-world feel.
The solution
Innova supplied a furniture-only solution, collaborating closely with Cassidy + Ashton Architects and contractors F Parkinson to reimagine the space and support diverse teaching styles. The transformed labs were designed to accommodate everything from collaborative projects to practical experiments and theoretical studies, ensuring a versatile environment for both students and educators.
Research area
The central research and collaboration area was designed as an open, dynamic space with flexible tables to promote group work and foster independent study. A vibrant, oversized storage wall showcases scientific artifacts and fossils, accompanied by sleek, futuristic orb display units that capture students’ curiosity.
To enhance adaptability, mobile glass screens that also function as writing boards were added, allowing both staff and students to rearrange the lab layout as needed. Bright, modern armchairs, along with stylish shelving and coffee tables, create an inviting atmosphere for project work and idea-sharing.
Eye-catching wall displays, including a tribute to Jamie Edwards’ groundbreaking achievement, motivate Priory’s aspiring scientists to reach for new heights. Topping off this inspiring environment is a dramatic constellation ceiling, adding a “wow” factor to the space and making it a truly engaging place to study.
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Laboratories
Connected to the central research area, dedicated wet and dry labs provide versatile spaces for both practical and theoretical lessons. The wet lab was designed with Innova’s unique “Hot Corners” concept, integrating a functional classroom with a fully equipped laboratory in the same space. With services positioned on the front face of each unit, this layout optimises desk space, providing ample room for seamless transitions between practical work and theory-based instruction.
In the dry lab, flexibility is key: movable pod units allow the desks to be easily reconfigured, supporting a variety of teaching and learning styles. Durable Trespa work surfaces have been installed throughout, ensuring resilience against chemical spills, scratches, and everyday wear. These high-quality surfaces promise to withstand years of student experimentation, making the labs future-proof for generations of young scientists.
Prep Room
A spacious, open-plan prep room with a central preparation desk offers technicians an ideal workspace to prepare for lessons. Ample perimeter storage units ensure that chemicals and equipment are stored safely and securely, keeping the area organised and efficient for daily use.
“We now have a learning environment in Science that is exciting, innovative and engaging, a facility we are very proud of, thanks in no small part to the team at Innova.”
MATT EASTHAM, HEADTEACHER
ICT Area
An ICT area, featuring sawtooth desking, provides space for online research. This layout creates individual workstations, ensuring each student pupils has ample elbow room to focus on their studies comfortably and efficiently.
Pet Zone
A dedicated pet zone was created to support biology studies and instill a sense of responsibility in students by caring for animals. This area houses hamsters, fish, and insects, with perforated Perspex cabinets specially designed to hold the animal enclosures, providing the Penwortham pets with a comfortable and secure home while enhancing students’ learning experience.
The recent modernisation project transformed the labs to meet today’s standards for interactive learning. With state-of-the-art equipment and flexible layouts, the upgraded spaces support hands-on experimentation and collaborative research. These advanced resources encourage students to explore scientific concepts deeply and undertake ambitious projects, fostering an environment of discovery and innovation in STEM.
Spotlight on interiors
Education
ICT Suites Accessible, ergonomic, low-maintenance ICT suites to keep pace with learning technologies
Multi-sector
Breakout Spaces Flexible, multi-functional work or social spaces which can be reconfigured quickly and easily
Education
Design & Technology Durable, flexible, multi-functional and safe technology focused environments.
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