Northwood's Brief
Northwood College identified the need to invest in its library to better support its strong reading culture and commitment to academic excellence. The school wanted to create a space that would encourage students to read, study, and engage more deeply with learning, while also reflecting its character and values. Alongside the library, there was a requirement to design a complementary office space that aligned with the same principles of functionality, identity, and quality.
Our Challenge
The project required a careful transformation of the existing library into a central, high-impact space, while retaining the building’s heritage character. Balancing traditional features with modern design interventions was key, ensuring the environment felt fresh, light, and engaging without losing its sense of history. The space also needed to accommodate a variety of uses, from quiet individual reading to collaborative study and informal interaction, all within a layout that felt intuitive and cohesive.
Envoplan's Solution
Envoplan worked closely with the school from initial design through to full project delivery, developing a scheme that combined heritage features with contemporary finishes and modern lighting. Through a collaborative design process, including detailed workshops and material selections, the final space was carefully zoned to support a range of learning styles, incorporating mezzanine and balcony areas, quiet seating zones, and group study spaces. The result is a bright, inspiring library that now acts as a true centrepiece within the school, alongside a well-considered office space, delivering an environment that is both highly functional and widely regarded by staff and students as an outstanding success.
The Library
Headteacher's Office
Case Studies
St George’s Edinburgh – Food Technology
Envoplan Group transformed an underused office and shower space at St George’s Girls’ School into a modern food technology room within the Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Centre. The project creates a specialist teaching environment that supports practical learning while strengthening the connection between nutrition, health, and physical wellbeing.
Collège du Léman Library + LRC
Working with Collège du Léman, we reimagined the school library as a light-filled learning environment that supports collaboration, quiet focus, and student wellbeing across the school community.
Stonar School – Sixth Form, Library + DT
We partnered with Stonar School to deliver modular, student-centred spaces that support independent study, creative learning, and a stronger sense of belonging across campus.
Orchard House School Nursery
Envoplan worked with Orchard House School to bring to life an inspiring early years learning environment that fosters play, creativity, and development.
Alleyn’s School Washrooms Refurbishment
We worked with Alleyn’s School to design and deliver transformed washrooms—a space featuring smart technology that enhances privacy and usability, where respect and pride have reshaped how this essential area is used every day.
Ashville College Social Spaces and Reception
The vision behind the transformation of Ashville College’s common room and reception area was rooted in creating spaces that truly resonate with the needs and aspirations of its community.
The International School Of Nice Science Labs
We partnered with the International School of Nice to design and deliver state-of-the-art science labs—spaces that embody innovation, adaptability, and collaboration, inspiring students and staff alike to explore and thrive in a future-focused learning environment.
Kingsley School Learning Resource Centre
We worked with the Kingsley School to design and deliver a thriving library —a space where, according to their Headmistress, “Everybody wants to come, learn, grow, read, and be together.”
St. Stephen’s School Boarding
Embarking on a transformative project to expand its capacity and enhance the student experience
St. Mary’s School Cambridge
We worked with St Mary’s School, Cambridge, to design and deliver a series of thriving classrooms.
Woldingham School – Sixth Form Centre
This cutting-edge sixth form centre has directly led to a very positive impact on learning outcomes and wellbeing.
Peterborough School
The Vision With the support of their governors, the Peterborough School embarked on an ambitious project to reimagine their early years classroom, envisioning a reception …
