The Big School Makeover

Kinnarps took part in the Big School Makeover – a national programme by the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) – the UK’s leading charity in education, design and construction. It aims to encourage teachers, parents and young people to get involved in refreshing or refurbishing a classroom, dining room or even an outside space.
The work is traditionally undertaken over an intense 5 days with a big ‘reveal’ to the students on the Friday!

This year’s project focused on Bentworth Primary School in the Hammersmith & Fulham borough, taking a redundant caretaker’s house on the school premises and bringing it to life as much needed additional teaching space which will also serve as a new community learning facility.

Along with Willmott Dixon, Armstrong Ceilings, Thorn Lighting and other partners, the space has been redesigned by Architects Jestico and Whiles to become a 'Life Skills House' - for use during school hours for cookery, communication and practical learning and then able to service the local community with learning and meeting spaces out of school hours.

Kinnarps has donated workplace furniture that is flexible in its use to match the diverse aspirations of the space. Marc Bird, head of marketing, says "This is an exciting project to be involved in. It gives us a platform to demonstrate how we believe that an improved working environment, including ergonomic furniture, can inspire students and teachers alike."

(Above) The house in its run-down state awaiting the makeover.

See more photos: