The Bridge School

Contractor: Morgan Sindall
Architect: Concertus
Contract Value: £71k

The Bridge School is a coeducational special school located in Ipswich, Suffolk. Established in 2010 following the merger of Heathside Primary School and Belstead School, it provides a supportive learning environment for students with special educational needs. The school required a comprehensive furniture solution that would support both functionality and accessibility while maintaining high standards of durability and aesthetics.

Project Brief

Benchmark FF&E Solutions supplied and installed furniture throughout the school, including food technology areas, perimeter benching, and classroom sink areas. The key priorities were to ensure a high-quality product and to make sure the installed products could withstand the day-to-day rigours of a school environment. The project specifications included:

  • Neutral colours and high-quality materials for all furniture elements.
  • Height-adjustable workstations in the food tech area to ensure accessibility and compliance with DDA regulations.
  • Durable perimeter benching with cantilever support legs and adjustable feet.
  • Solid construction (glue and dowel) cabinetry and moisture-resistant components in wet areas.
  • Easy-to-clean and hardwearing surfaces suitable for regular use.

Implementation

Our team worked closely with Morgan Sindall and Concertus to ensure the furniture met all specified requirements while being delivered within budget and on time. Areas where we installed furniture included:

  • Food Tech Area: Installed built-in Bosch appliances, including DDA ovens, induction hobs, extractor fans, and fridge freezers, ensuring modern functionality. Height-adjustable workstation frames were integrated to provide accessibility, including height-adjustable sinks and hobs.
  • IT Areas: Fixed benching with cantilever legs provided strength and adjustability, supporting 38mm laminated particleboard worktops in Axiom Pale Maple for durability and style.
  • Classrooms: High-grade materials were used, including Egger P2 furniture-grade particleboard for cabinetry and moisture-resistant MDF for doors. Trespa Toplab Base solid grade laminate worktops were chosen for their durability and ease of cleaning. Stainless steel sinks and Monorise taps were pre-installed into the worktops to ensure a quality and snag-free finish.

Result

Along with other trades, Benchmark delivered a modern, functional, and highly durable furniture solution tailored to The Bridge School’s needs. Key benefits include:

  • Improved Accessibility: Height-adjustable workstations ensure students of all abilities can participate in food tech activities comfortably.
  • Long-Term Durability: High-quality materials and robust construction guarantee longevity and ease of maintenance.
  • Enhanced Learning Environment: Stylish and contemporary designs create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances student engagement.
  • Practicality & Hygiene: Surfaces were chosen for their durability, ensuring the school’s facilities remain in top condition for years to come.

The project was completed on time and met all functional and aesthetic requirements, providing The Bridge School with a modern, efficient, and accessible learning environment.

Benchmark is proud to have contributed to this project and to be making a positive difference in the lives of the students and staff at The Bridge School.

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