Eaton Square – Senior & Sixth Form School

These spaces are designed to provide students with a new sense of ownership and responsibility at Eaton Square

Eaton Square Brief

Eaton Square – a co-educational and independent day school founded in 1988 – is undoubtedly one of the leading schools in the heart of London. The institution boasts a proud tradition of delivering leadership and innovation in the educational space. Eaton’s goal is to set its students smoothly on the path to greatness, equipping them with vital principles and skills to make the journey successful. As you can imagine, Eaton believed (like us) that world-class facilities play a huge role in educating students to the very highest standards.

With 253 pupils attending the school from the nursery to the sixth form, Eaton Square School were keen to keep their sixth form facilities top tier for the new generation of students, as well as the 49 staff members. The brief was one we relished: refurbishing a five-story regency townhouse in the heart of London and modernising the school’s educational and social 6th form spaces. The goal was to completely fit out the rooms, including science labs and washrooms. No mean task, but we couldn’t wait to get started.

Our Challenge

Delivering the school’s specific vision for how the spaces would look and function in a short time frame. Challenges during this project included handling asbestos removal and absorbing 6 weeks’ worth of additional work into the programme. This was all while setting a completion date for the end of the summer holidays in order to give the school two clear weeks for staff to move in before term started.

In such an old building dating back over 200 years, optimising and enhancing the space was high on our priority list for students and staff. Libraries, social spaces, staff rooms and communal workspaces all presented varying challenges that had to be conquered individually.

Functionality was, of course, crucial, but the challenge of creating the correct aesthetics had to be unpacked and approached correctly too. Eaton wanted a modern, contemporary design that would live long into the future, much like the building the school occupies. This was all while maintaining a warm and comforting atmosphere that is vital for effective education.

There was a lot of work to get done in a short amount of time.

Envoplan's Solution

Thanks to our experience working to tight deadlines, we found the solutions to all those challenges and delivered 6th-form spaces (in collaboration with the school’s own architect) that Eaton Square can be proud of.

On this project, Envoplan were able to remain flexible when issues were encountered. We increased labour and work to ensure that those essential milestones were met on time, so the school could have enough wiggle room to settle in and prepare before term started. Our ability to be flexible in this sense was pivotal for delivering the client’s program requirements successfully.

Similarly to all of our projects, we never compromise on quality. That’s why we ensured Eaton got the very best furniture, complete with top-quality desks, chairs and sofas. These furniture pieces were all intentionally geared towards function and comfort, helping to cultivate that ambience of comfort and warmth the client envisioned. Of course, each space presented unique challenges (whether that be a library or social area) but we ensured that we stayed consistent throughout the project, with the goal of a relaxed atmosphere in mind.

In terms of the design, the school provided the team with specific on-brand colours that could be utilised. Our fit-out, including chairs, desks and other essential furniture, was entwined with these specific requirements. Balancing these tones with other aspects of the development process was key for delivering on the school’s vision.

Eaton School was delighted with the result, which has undoubtedly helped elevate their already top-class facilities. Take a scroll through the pictures below to see for yourself.