David Bailey Furniture Systems (DBFS) recently completed a transformative project at Invicta Grammar School in Maidstone, Kent, updating two outdated science laboratories and meeting the school’s goal to create a modern, welcoming environment where students could thrive and engage with one another.
The objective – to create new labs that needed to be spacious, bright and designed with ample storage solutions, all while maintaining aesthetic continuity with previous designs. In addition, the school wanted to create an inspiring space that would foster creativity and help students develop their scientific skills.
It was one of the main reasons why DBFS was selected to deliver the project – due to its expertise in creating and delivering flexible and bespoke fitted furniture solutions. Durability was another key concern and the company’s use of Trespa worktops provided the robustness required for a high-use educational environment. The company’s close proximity to the school, both of which are situated in Kent, also gave the contractor, Abbott Construction Ltd and the academy the peace of mind that any complications or additional work could be swiftly addressed, to ensure the project always remained on track.
It was not without challenges. After stripping-out of the existing labs, it was discovered that the gas mains and electrical wiring did not align with the original plans. This required a rapid redesign of the fitted furniture to suit the new access points. Despite losing two weeks in the design process, DBFS worked nonstop to ensure the project was completed on time, which allowed the laboratories to be ready for the start of the school term.
“The work carried out was completed to a very high standard and David Bailey Furniture Systems (DBFS) proved to be extremely co-operative through the design stage as well as the installation stage. We would highly recommend DBFS to any other Contractor wishing to use them on a similar education / laboratory fitted furniture fit out,” said Pete Sargent Estate Manager, Valley Invicta Academies Trust.
The benefits of this collaboration for Invicta Grammar School extend beyond just the renovation of the labs. The school’s procurement team now has a reliable local partner in DBFS, who can quickly respond to maintenance needs and future improvement projects. Additionally, the project was completed within a tight budget, without sacrificing the quality of work.
Andrew Claridge, Contracts Manager at Abbott Construction, commented: “From tender to completion, David Bailey Furniture Systems adopted a flexible pro-active approach to the project, which was completed within schedule and within budget. The high quality of the detailed drawings and the strong project management throughout, was a testament to DBFS’s ability to create environments where students can flourish academically and creatively.”
“David Bailey Furniture Systems’ success in transforming the science laboratories at Invicta Grammar School reflects their commitment to quality, adaptability and client satisfaction. This project not only addressed the immediate need for a modern, functional space but, also set a new standard for future improvements. Furthermore, DBFS’s ability to adjust swiftly to unforeseen challenges, such as the misalignment of gas mains and electricals, demonstrated their expertise in managing complex projects efficiently.”
The completion of this contract also highlights DBFS’s role in shaping educational environments that encourage student engagement and creativity and Tony Huggins, managing director of DBFS expressed pride in contributing to a project, that could one day positively impact students’ futures, potentially nurturing the next generation of scientists.
“This project at Invicta Grammar School is a testament to DBFS’s dedication to creating spaces where students can feel proud and inspired to learn, all while adhering to strict deadlines and budgetary constraints and marks the beginning of a promising partnership between the school and DBFS,” he added.