The goal of the project was to increase the capacity of the school, due to it catering for pupils from Secondary to Sixth Form level. The newly developed learning environments were designed with enough space for staff to teach and support the development of pupils.
We worked closely with both our supply chain partners, and Wynne Construction to ensure the running of the project went as smoothly as possible.
To support overall sustainability and social value efforts, and to align with our values, we sourced fitters as well as materials local to the project site. This ensured a streamlined installation process for our customer and showcased our commitment to supporting local businesses and the communities that surround our project sites.
Fitting to the school’s aesthetic, our in-house designers, in collaboration with architects, worked meticulously to craft products that looked visually appealing and balanced comfort with functionality, adapting to different subject needs and classroom environments. This ranged from the Drama Studio requiring a Teacher Wall to provide an interactive focal point for classroom activities, to Science Lab Worktops robust enough to withstand daily usage by students.
Quality Bespoke Products
IT Suite
Catering for over 650 students, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi requested that we placed a high emphasis on space saving, and making classroom space usable to the full extent.
For the IT Suites, we implemented 'Sawtooth Benching’. This layout angles towards the front of the classroom, providing an ergonomic and optimal view for students, reducing strain. This creates a more comfortable environment for students working on screens. Incorporating this forward slant allows students to effortlessly turn to each other, creating a collaborative environment that positively enriches their learning experience.
Considering practicality in daily school life, the benching was designed to facilitate cable management, with dividers positioned in the middle of the table to keep the workspaces tidy and organised. This adds safety for those that use the IT Suites.
Science Lab
When designing the Science Laboratories, special considerations were made regarding the worktop surfaces. Due to potential exposure to various chemicals, liquids, and heat, the material needed to be suitable for heavy-duty use and therefore a long-lasting solution was selected. Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) worktops were utilised due to their heavy-duty scratch and wear resistance, impact resistance, and ease of cleaning. A solid material with smooth machinability, it has hydrophobic properties preventing dampness, something traditional tabletops cannot provide. Perfect for bespoke fittings, it was tailored to the specific needs of the customer, whilst also providing an optimal surface finish. For Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, this created an aesthetically pleasing environment whilst positively contributing to student safety.
Following the theme of utilising space, the depths of the worktops were adjusted by BOYCO to align with side walls enabling greater aisle space between the Lab Benching. Enhancing manoeuvrability within the Lab reduces the risk of accidental collisions or spills, and facilitates ease of equipment sharing, contributing to a cooperative learning space.
Staff Room
In conjunction with ensuring an amazing space for students, this project also placed staff spaces at the forefront of works. The staff break out room was renovated to emulate a relaxing, resting space. As per the School's requirement to utilise all space, our in-house designers crafted a Tea Point fixture for Teachers and Visitors to access refreshments.
An Econotop Worktop was favoured with its laminate coating, achieving an easy clean surface perfect for food and drink preparation. Customisable by colour, Oak Laminate doors were added alongside the worktop, enhancing the finished structure, and fitting with Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi’s bespoke requests.
Team BOYCO successfully completed a full design, manufacture, supply and install service for this project. Our teams visited the site often throughout the project, ensuring that each element of the works exceeded expectations of all those involved and aligned with our ‘Built to Last’ ethos.
We are proud to have worked with Wynne Construction on this refurbishment. We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship and can’t wait to get started on our next project.
