In collaboration with Galliford Try BOYCO provided end-to-end project management, transforming the newly built two-storey Catherine Infant School with our award-winning FF&E solutions.
Catherine Infant School’s goal was to increase learning opportunities in Leicester with a special focus on those with SEN requirements, with the newly built school creating 420 student spaces.
Previously teaming up with BOYCO on similar projects, Galliford Try knew they could rely on our tried and trusted fixed furniture solutions to provide a fantastic result for staff and students.
Working closely with the contractor, our in-house design team created solutions that can support the daily demands of the education space, whilst also being visually appealing for staff and students. This ranged from secure shelving in the school’s storage spaces to durable worktops in the nursery classrooms, and teaching resource areas.
Providing full end-to-end project management to Catherine Infant School, BOYCO designed and installed the following:
To provide the ultimate flexibility in storage solutions, different combinations of cupboards were installed in the classrooms and teacher resource areas. This included:
The tall units came with the additional benefit of having a dry wipe door. This space-saving design allows teachers to utilise otherwise wasted cupboard door surface area as a learning tool in the classroom.
All doors on the units were installed with 110° soft-close hinges. These absorb the impact when closing the cabinet door even when slammed, preventing potential damage or risk of injury when taking items in and out the cupboards.
The cabinets were selected to have an oak-style carcass and sand beige doors. Neutral in tone, the wood effect brings elements of the natural world inside creating a safe and calming environment. This prevents visual distractions so students can focus on learning.
Along with the storage, it was important for both the customer and team BOYCO that the surface that went on top of the cupboards was just as durable.
In the SEN therapy room and infant classrooms, 40mm post-formed worktops were installed in the finish ‘walnut butcher block’. Matching the natural colours of the sand beige doors and oak carcasses, this worktop is one of our most popular choices in standard classrooms due to its resilience in high traffic areas. Thicker than traditional surfaces and able to withstand more weight, the postformed worktop is made from high-quality MFC and edged with a laminate strip that matches the chosen colour of the surface. This was a great match for the classrooms as the younger children can enjoy daily use of the worktop without it damaging easily from spills or other accidents.
For the Staffroom and Staff Workroom, our in-house design team opted to use different worktops. Installing 27mm Econotop™ worktops in ‘bross griss’, they provide durability whilst also being a cost-effective option for education spaces. Sleek and modern, it’s an excellent choice for the staffrooms as typically only light work or lunch time food preparation occurs.
Explore our full insight into worktops for schools here.
Along with storage solutions, the resource areas had a single bowl stainless steel sink installed and dual mixer taps. Offering efficiency and practical usage, the two-lever tap with longer handles allows for easy use and adjustment of temperature. This design also makes it inclusive, as different age ranges and abilities can use the tap without straining, ideal for daily handwashing, or cleaning learning supplies such as paint brushes.
Catherine Infant School required organisational support for the young student’s personal belongings in their nursery and reception classrooms. The cloakroom solution had to be robust and utilise the empty wall space. An alternative to freestanding designs, team BOYCO provided and installed our WB peg rails ranging from 950mm to 1200 in length. The rail itself is made with prime White America Ash, a lighter-weight wood that can withstand daily wear and tear. For added robustness this is coated with our anti-microbial lacquer. This not only protects the fixed furniture against scratches and scrapes but stops 99% of all known bacteria surviving on its surface, supporting the school’s health and safety practices.
The pegs on the rail also have unparalleled protection. Coated in BOYCO’s in-house pioneered ‘hot dip’ nylon, the pegs are dipped in a specialist formula an even distribution on the metal. This offers abrasion resistance even in high-traffic environment, such as the nursery and reception learning spaces.
Currently working on a school cloakroom project? Discover our guide here.
Just as important as student organisation, teaching and support staff needed space to store items in the school’s entrance way and teaching resource store. Whether for workbooks, stationery, or other learning tools, the structure they would be housed in needed to be able to support heavy weights. The answer was our 1 tier wall fixed, and 4 tier wall fixed shelving systems which are securely mounted giving strength and preventing any tipping. Keeping spaces neat and organised, this market leading option’s surfaces are made from 18mm laminated MDF, with the steel frame coated in our hot-dip nylon, as the BOYCO standard. Providing the same durability as previously mentioned in our peg rails, these materials are also moisture resistant and easy to clean.
Bespoke to this project, the contractor and customer requested loose furniture and a climbing frame for the school children. This was not a problem for team BOYCO, we delivered and installed wall-fixed climbing frames in the main hall, rugs in the nurseries and classrooms, and admin desks with cable tidy trays in the staff offices. The perfect finish, they support lesson activities by providing safe spaces for play and learning, and essential administration tasks can be completed in an area free from clutter and loose wires.
Ready to upgrade your next education project? Get in touch with our friendly team here.