Cambridge, CB2 9HB
Trumpington Community College – Laboratory Furniture
Innova Delivers State-of-the art Labs for the Highly Innovative £22m Cambridge College
The first new school building constructed in Cambridge in four decades, Trumpington Community College, stands as a modern secondary school designed to meet the needs of contemporary education.
Spanning an impressive 8,000 square meters, the college has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to 750 pupils.
Drawing inspiration from the Danish school model, the architectural approach prioritises compact planning and an innovative layout. This design philosophy encourages a significant amount of unstructured teaching, fostering creativity and collaboration among students. The layout also ensures a high level of connectivity between different spaces, promoting seamless interaction between teachers and pupils and supporting a variety of learning styles.
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The brief
Trumpington Community College set out to create a cutting-edge building that highlights its specialism in science while offering flexible classrooms arranged around a central atrium. The design reflects the college’s vision for a dynamic and adaptable learning environment that not only meets current educational needs but also anticipates the evolving demands of education over the next 50 years.
Sustainability was a key priority in the project, with the building adhering to a high sustainability agenda. The design emphasises energy efficiency, resource conservation, and long-term adaptability, ensuring the facility remains functional and relevant for decades to come.
To bring this ambitious project to life, the college collaborated with a talented team, appointing Avanti Architects to lead the design, contractors Morgan Sindall for construction, and Aecom for engineering and consultancy services.
Additionally, Innova Design Group was commissioned to deliver state-of-the-art laboratories, providing students with cutting-edge facilities to support their scientific studies.
Amidst standardisation and austerity, this school demonstrates that, with a supportive client and effective user consultation, high-quality bespoke design is achievable within public sector budgets.
AMIR RAMEZANI, , DIRECTOR OF AVANTI ARCHITECTS
The solution
In collaboration with Morgan Sindall, Innova successfully delivered a furniture-only installation across five laboratories and two preparation rooms at Trumpington Community College. Recognising the importance of flexible layouts as a key requirement, Innova developed the designs to optimise the functionality of the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics laboratories.
The labs feature a thoughtful combination of fixed benching and versatile Flexi-Pods, which integrate essential services such as gas, electricity, and water. These are complemented by flexible loose tables that allow the space to be reconfigured easily to suit a variety of teaching formats. This adaptable layout supports both individual work and collaborative group activities, seamlessly aligning with the demands of the modern curriculum.
“It is wonderful to see the children thriving in a thoughtfully designed building that supports and encourages diverse styles of learning.”
HRH DUKE OF GLOUCESTER
The multi-functional design facilitates diverse teaching and learning styles, enabling students to engage effectively in both practical experiments and theoretical discussions. Whether working independently, in pairs, or as part of a group, students benefit from an environment that promotes active learning and engagement.
In addition to the specialist laboratories, Innova equipped two general science classrooms with teacher demonstration desks, complete with integrated services, and loose tables. This arrangement supports theory-based lessons while allowing teachers to perform live demonstrations that enhance understanding and bring concepts to life.
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Two prep rooms were fitted with ample storage solutions, including multiple shelving racks and movable Gratnell units beneath perimeter benches, providing a flexible space for mixing chemicals and preparing practical lessons.
Durable Trespa work surfaces were installed throughout the labs, ensuring they can withstand heavy use and remain functional for years to come.
Trumpington Community College proudly welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester for an official visit in September 2016, marking a milestone in the school’s journey.
Executive principal Andrew Hutchinson commented: “I was delighted at the pupils’ reaction when viewing the school. They are clearly really excited to see it and it’s great to see they really think it’s a school to be proud of”.
John Jones, Head of the School said: “This is just a fantastic facility to have, not just for the school but for the community as well.”
Chair of the Foundation, Nick Hood commented: “We hope it will be an inspiring place to learn for generations of students, and also a source of pride for the local community.”
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