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Sparsholt College

Winchester, Hampshire

Number of Students:

4900

Project Value:

£170K

Weeks on site:

Project Overview

When Sparsholt College, the location for BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, completed the building of a new science block, we were hired to carry out the full FF&E fit-out, including science laboratories, a prep room, classrooms, staff spaces, and a shared common area.

The aim was to deliver a high-quality, flexible learning environment that reflected the college’s rural identity while meeting the technical demands of modern science teaching.

The Brief

The brief was to:
- Fit out a brand-new science block with specialist furniture, worktops, and storage.
- Provide two fully equipped science laboratories and an adjoining prep room.
- Ensure that two of the upstairs classrooms were multi-functional
- Create a multipurpose ground-floor area combining communal study, social space, and staff offices.
- Ensure all finishes were robust, practical, and suitable for a busy educational setting.

Although the new building was complete when we started work, the surrounding site was still under development, and access was limited. We had to make sure that all materials, including heavy worktops, were safely delivered and installed within the five-week window.

What We Did

A complete FF&E installation
The work involved fitting furniture, cabinetry, worktops, storage, and a selection of bespoke items designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

Professional, practical laboratories
Each lab was fitted with durable white Velstone solid-surface worktops with integrated services for gas, power, and water.

We incorporated a teacher wall with a concealed screen, several high-adjustable desks for accessibility, and ample under-bench storage. The design achieved a professional look while meeting the practical needs of both staff and students.

One of the laboratories was later modified at the client’s request, and we returned to extend a worktop and alter cupboards.

The prep room - built for efficiency
The adjoining prep room features extensive fitted storage described by Project Lead Matthew Henderson as “storage heaven.” Cupboards, drawers, and open shelving ensure every piece of apparatus has a home, making preparation and clean-up easier for staff.

Flexible classrooms upstairs
On the first floor, we furnished three spacious classrooms. Two of them are separated by a folding wall, allowing staff to open them up into one large teaching space when required.

Each classroom includes tilting, wheeled desks that can be folded and moved to reconfigure layouts quickly.

A welcoming communal hub
The ground-floor common area serves as both a meeting point and a quiet study zone. We installed fitted furniture, vending machine housings, and a large feature table with an integrated planter. The area includes built-in seating with study areas and decorative panelled walls that mirror the cedar pannelling on the external walls. The interior cladding helps define the space while maintaining an open, airy and natural feel.

Charging lockers provide secure device storage, and the colour palette of greens, browns, and natural tones reflects the agricultural college’s rural setting.

Materials and durability
The project used a combination of high-quality, durable materials suited to intensive daily use:
- Velstone solid-surface worktops in pure white that are clean, hardwearing, and resistant to chemicals.
- Solid-grade laminate furniture for moisture and impact resistance.
- MFC panels and fitted joinery in earthy, natural finishes.

The materials were chosen not only for durability but also for their fresh, modern appearance.

Collaboration and technical input
We weren’t involved in the original building design, but our team provided essential technical advice throughout installation. Matthew Henderson liaised closely with the main contractor and client team on matters such as:
- Service runs and access points behind fitted furniture.
- Requirements for electrical and plumbing connections.
- Adjustments to ensure cabinetry fitted seamlessly with mechanical systems.

By advising on first-fix requirements, such as where to terminate services and how to integrate them behind panel, we avoided the potential for costly fixes later down the line.

Project delivery
The installation was completed within five weeks, a short timeframe given the scale of work and access constraints. Despite these challenges, the project ran smoothly. The client was well prepared, and all systems and finishes were delivered and installed efficiently.

Matthew Henderson says, “Sparsholt was unusually straightforward because the client was ready for us. It was a brand-new building, so everything went in cleanly. The only real challenge was the logistics of access and handling such large, heavy components. We finished on time and to spec.”

The Result

The completed science block provides Sparsholt College with modern, durable, and adaptable teaching environments.

For students:
- Spacious, flexible labs and classrooms designed for active, hands-on learning.
- Communal areas that promote social interaction and independent study.

For staff:
- Well-organised storage and efficient prep facilities.
- Durable finishes that are easy to maintain and keep looking fresh.
- Meeting rooms/office space with glass partitions

For the college:
- A cohesive, contemporary interior that reflects Sparsholt’s rural character.
- A future-proofed fit-out capable of adapting to changing curriculum needs.

Matthew adds, “The finished building looks fantastic. It feels calm, modern, and practical, a really professional environment that will serve the college well for years to come.”