Birkdale School – Lab refurbishment

Laboratories that enhance the quality of teaching

Birkdale School is an independent school for boys aged 4-18, located in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
The school achieves its academic ambition through smaller classes, aspirational environments and expert, individually tailored teaching, developing students with independent and curious minds that challenge ideas and take the initiative in their learning.

The Brief

In 2017, as part of their on-going development, the school planned to upgrade their science facilities as they were in need of modernisation.  Innova was approached by Birkdale to design and quote for the full turnkey refurbishment of their chemistry, Biology and Physics laboratories including flooring, electrics, plumbing and gas, decoration and installation of furniture.

Following a competitive tender process based on design and cost, Innova was appointed to deliver the new cutting-edge Laboratories.

The Solution

The old laboratories have been completely overhauled and now feature a ‘Wing’ layout, which supports a flexible environment for both theory and practical work. Every pupil faces the front of the room, the teacher can circulate freely, providing a more collaborative approach to learning.

A teachers demo area provides the perfect platform for demonstrations to take place.

To help Birkdale further maximise the space available in each lab, both perimeter benching and the work benches were fitted with storage, providing students with instant access to equipment when setting up science experiments.

High quality, low maintenance materials such as Velstone solid surface guarantee the longevity and good looks across the new laboratories, creating a modern yet timeless feel to a science department designed to inspire future generations of scientists.

The new state-of-the-art labs will ensure the quality of teaching is enhanced and that students’ continue to take initiatives in their learning.