Dame Allan’s School – Laboratory refurbishment

Dame Allan’s: creating cutting edge science spaces

Dame Allan’s School is a leading North East independent school. As one of the oldest in the country, they are incredibly proud of their strong tradition of innovation and education. In order to continue delivering an outstanding education for all pupils, Dame Allan’s were looking to modernise the school’s laboratories.

The Brief

As the world of science is constantly changing, Dame Allan’s wanted to upgrade two physics laboratories and a prep room to create an environment designed to adapt to new teaching and learning styles as they evolve.

With ageing furniture, outdated iroko laboratory tables, cluttered layouts and a lack of storage space, the school’s physics laboratories required modernisation to meet the demands of the 21st century curriculum.

Innova were delighted to win the tender to deliver a full turnkey solution including the design, manufacture and installation of the laboratories and technician’s room complete with redecoration, flooring, teaching wall, storage and M&E works.

The Solution

With the increase in practical teaching, the school were looking for a laboratory layout which improves group collaboration in lessons. Working closely to Dame Allan’s brief, Innova installed a wing layout which creates smaller rows of benches whilst improving circulation around the room. This benching arrangement also ensures all students can sit comfortably facing the front, improving lines of sight between the teacher and students. With gas and electricity located on the front face of the benches, the new layout ensures students have a workspace clear of clutter and distraction and are able to switch quickly between theory and practical sessions.

A teacher demo area desk was installed at the front of each room for demonstrations and Q&A sessions as well as to accommodate smaller 6^th Form class for more interactive discussions. Practical, stylish teacher walls further maximise space by incorporating built in storage, sliding whiteboards with interactive screens and space for books and equipment.

Perimeter  and bench storage ensure space is maximized, whilst high quality Trespa surfaces guarantee the labs will last.

A new prep room with cupboards, shelving and drawer units has been installed, to enable chemicals and equipment to be easily  stored. A fitted desk and bench working area offers technicians and teachers the space to plan and prep practicals comfortably.

From dark, uninspiring, cluttered classrooms Innova has created light, bright, modern science labs ready to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s young scientists.