Hethersett Academy – Foodtech & Science

Project Brief

Hethersett Academy is a high-achieving secondary school in Norfolk. As part of a multi-phase refurbishment, the Academy required robust, easy-to-maintain fitted furniture tailored to specialist spaces including media suites, art rooms, digital classrooms, and wet areas.

Contractor: R G Carter, Kier, Pentaco

Architect: Concertus, NPS

Benchmark FF&E Solutions was appointed to design, manufacture, and install all fitted furniture. The focus was on creating durable, hygienic environments that support intensive daily use while maintaining a modern, cohesive aesthetic.

The solution included:

  • Specialist-grade materials with high chemical resistance where needed.
  • Robust cabinetry and doors designed for longevity and hygiene.
  • Ergonomic benching systems to support flexible teaching spaces.
  • Fully integrated project management to ensure a smooth, snag-free delivery.

Implementation

Benchmark worked as a subcontractor for R G Carter, Kier, Pentaco across multiple phases to deliver the project on schedule, coordinating all furniture installation and providing full project management support.

  • Cabinetry: Constructed from 18mm Egger P2 Furniture Grade Particleboard, finished with either U708 Light Grey melamine and 2mm ABS edging (Phases 1 & 2) or Platinum White in classroom wet areas. This ensured durability, ease of cleaning, and a professional finish.
  • Doors: All doors used 18mm Moisture Resistant MDF for superior strength, with Egger U708 Light Grey laminate in most areas and Sorano Oak H1334 in select wet areas. ABS edging provided extra protection against wear and moisture.
  • Worksurfaces: Two worktop specifications were used:
    • 16mm Trespa Toplab Base SGL in Speckled Mid Grey for art rooms, dark rooms, and wet areas.
    • 38mm Formica Axiom and Prima postformed worktops in Paloma Dark Grey for digital media, offices, and some wet areas.
  • Perimeter Benching: Installed in media and admin spaces, supported by welded ERW steel cantilever legs powder-coated in RAL7037 Dust Grey, with height-adjustable feet for easy levelling.

Result

Benchmark delivered the project on time, snag-free, and to a high standard, achieving:

  • Purpose-designed, durable, and hygienic educational spaces that meet the day-to-day demands of students and staff, ensuring each area is fit for its specific function.
  • Specialist worktops and sinks suited to each department, including chemical-resistant SGL surfaces in art and science areas, and darkroom-specific equipment for technical learning spaces.
  • A cohesive, modern aesthetic through consistent finishes and materials across all rooms, helping to create calm, clean, and professional environments that support focused learning.
  • Robust fittings for long-term performance, including premium cabinetry, hardware, and benching systems designed for continuous, intensive school use.

Benchmark FF&E is proud to have supported Hethersett Academy in creating functional, future-ready learning environments. The project stands as a testament to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful specification, and effective collaboration.

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