Sir Bobby Robson SEMH School

Project Brief

Sir Bobby Robson School is a purpose-built SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school located in Ipswich, Suffolk. Named after the legendary football manager, the school provides a supportive educational environment for students with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Designed to create a calm, safe and structured setting, the new facilities required robust, hygienic and visually cohesive furniture that could withstand intensive daily use while supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Contractor: R G Carter
Architect: Concertus
Contract Value: £96k

In August 2020, Benchmark FF&E Solutions manufactured and installed furniture throughout the school, including wet areas, cantilever benching, cloakroom facilities, and a secondary science area. The project required furniture that was durable, easy to clean, resistant to chemicals, and suitable for the unique needs of an SEMH school. Key priorities included hassle-free installation, project management support, cross-trade collaboration, and OTIF (on time in full) delivery. The Project Spec included:

  • Neutral woodgrain and concrete-effect finishes to support a calm, modern learning environment.
  • Durable cantilever benching with powder-coated ERW steel legs and height-adjustable feet for flexibility and strength.
  • Moisture-resistant MDF doors and hardwearing cabinet carcasses designed for daily use in high-demand areas.
  • Easy-to-clean solid grade laminate (SGL) worktops with high chemical resistance for science and wet areas.
  • Specialist sinks and taps to meet the rigorous safety and hygiene needs of laboratory environments.

Implementation

Working as a subcontractor with R G Carter, Benchmark delivered a high-quality, bespoke solution tailored to each functional area:

  • Wet Areas: Supplied and installed cabinetry using 18mm Krono Swiss P2 Furniture Grade Particleboard in Swiss Elm Cold with ABS edging, paired with moisture-resistant MDF doors. Worktops included 16mm Trespa Toplab Base SGL in Speckled Mid Grey and 38mm Formica Axiom Brushed Concrete laminate. Stainless steel sinks and taps were chosen for modern, sanitary function.
  • Cantilever Benching: Durable Axiom Brushed Concrete laminated particleboard worktops were mounted on strong, powder-coated ERW steel cantilever legs with height-adjustable feet for ease of use and adaptability.
  • Cloakroom Benching: Constructed using welded ERW steel frames in gloss white with American White Ash timber slats finished with a clear lacquer. Coat hooks integrated into the steel framework provided strength and function.
  • Secondary Science Area: Designed with specialist use in mind, featuring the same cabinetry and doors as wet areas. Worktops in Trespa Toplab Base SGL and Simmons Epoxy laboratory sinks with Vulcathene waste kits. Nuova FAR taps and gas outlets ensured professional laboratory performance.

Result

The project was delivered snag-free and on schedule, meeting all functional, aesthetic, and safety requirements:

  • Durability & Hygiene: High-performance materials such as SGL and laminate were selected for ease of cleaning and long-term use.
  • User-Centric Design: Height adjustability, traditional timber accents, and ergonomic fittings ensure comfort and practicality.
  • Specialist-Ready: Lab areas are fully equipped with premium fittings to support safe and effective science education.
  • Unified Aesthetic: Coordinated finishes in Swiss Elm Cold and Brushed Concrete provide a cohesive, modern environment.

Benchmark FF&E is proud to have contributed to the success of this project and to support the vital work taking place at Sir Bobby Robson SEMH School. We take pride in delivering OTIF and hassle-free installations that make a meaningful difference.

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