St Joseph’s College Food Technology Room | Full Turnkey Refurbishment
St Joseph’s College sets high standards and encourages pupils to strive for excellence. The school has a long and proud tradition of outstanding academic achievement, with results that consistently place it among the top-performing state and private schools nationwide.
St Joseph’s delivers a broad curriculum across academics, the arts, sport, and creative subjects, giving students the opportunity to develop their individual strengths. Supported by dedicated staff, they are challenged, inspired, and guided to achieve their full potential.
Project Brief & Scope of Works
In March 2025, St Joseph’s approached Innova to design and cost a complete refurbishment of its food technology classroom. The space, now 30 years old, had seen minimal upgrades over time and was in poor condition, with malfunctioning ovens, damaged hobs, and an inefficient layout.
The brief focused on creating a bright, modern, and cost-effective learning environment while increasing capacity to allow more students to use the facilities at the same time.
In response, Innova’s proposal sets out a clear division of spaces, with the larger room dedicated to practical cooking activities and service bays, and the smaller adjoining room used for theory-based teaching.
The project was aligned to key funding deadline, with submission to the Wolfson Grant required by the 1st of May 2025.
After funding was secured, Innova re-engaged with the school to move the project forward, and works were officially recommenced in January 2026. With renewed momentum, the team resumed planning and coordination, ensuring that the refurbishment of the food technology room progressed efficiently during the easter holidays following the earlier delays.
Design & Colour sign off
In close collaboration with the school, a custom design was developed to meet the specific needs of students and staff, modernising the facilities and improving overall functionality.
Two separate rooms were reconfigured into a single larger space, with a new opening formed to connect the theory section. This improved circulation and created a cohesive learning environment across both practical and theory areas.
The design prioritised durability and efficient use of space to support both practical and theory-based learning, with the key requirements including:
- Student Bays: 12 bays for 24 students (working in pairs), each equipped for two pairs; single-sided layout so all students faced the same direction.
- Equipment: Each bay included adequate cooking equipment such as hobs and ovens.
- Appliances: Existing appliances (fridges, freezers, dishwashers) were retained, and all hobs were specified as induction. Hobs and ovens were installed separately with individual supplies to prevent linked failures.
- Teacher Demo Area: Demo desk with sink, hob, and oven; overhead camera linked to a TV due to room length.
- Storage: Ample storage was required—under-bench storage for student equipment and additional room storage for less frequently used items.
Programme
4 weeks on site
Mobilisation Phase
During this phase, site surveys were carried out to assess existing conditions and inform the Construction Phase Plan, RAMS, and safety procedures. The project team and subcontractors were appointed, and site preparation began, including securing permits and arranging logistics. A comprehensive Health & Safety manual was issued, detailing RAMS, PPE requirements, signage, emergency procedures, and site security measures. A pre-contract meeting was held to align all stakeholders, followed by the development of a detailed programme outlining the full scope of project activities.
Comprehensive Turnkey Services
The project encompassed all aspects of site preparation, including ensuring the area was safe, demolishing and removing existing fixtures and fittings.
VIDEO: Demolition & Strip Out Video
Works then progressed to the formation of a new opening in a 100mm load-bearing wall, including the installation of a lintel and making good the surrounding area. The existing doorway was then blocked up to align with the new design requirements, with all surfaces prepared ready for decoration.
Floor trenching was also carried out to accommodate service routes for the updated layout, alongside the completion of electrical upgrade to support the new induction ovens and hobs.
Additional elements included relocation of the heater, plumbing for undermount sinks with precision-cut drainer grooves, the fitting of new contract-grade low-slip flooring, full redecoration throughout, and a final detailed sparkle clean to complete the refurbishment to the highest standard.
VIDEO: New Flooring Installation
The newly designed food technology room provides a highly functional learning environment that enhances student engagement while prioritising health and safety. A modern central layout with peninsular workstations improves visibility, supports efficient circulation, and incorporates generous storage to facilitate both teaching and practical cooking activities.
VIDEO: Furniture Fit-Out
The school was extremely pleased with how Innova managed the project, particularly the smooth coordination of works, clear communication, and ability to deliver a highly functional space with minimal disruption. They also highlighted the strong attention to detail and effective problem-solving throughout the process, which ensured a successful outcome.
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