Velstone helps create modern learning environment in Prep School science labs
- 13 March 2025|
- Education|
- velstone_admin
When InterFocus sought an exceptional solid surface solution for renovating science laboratories at the prestigious Culford Preparatory School in Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk, Velstone delivered with precision and expertise. The project showcased how innovative material solutions could transform educational spaces while meeting rigorous laboratory standards for returning students.
Project details and overview
InterFocus, specialists in laboratory furniture solutions offering comprehensive design, manufacturing, and furnishing services, approached Velstone with a bespoke, yet time-sensitive project. As part of its continued improvement and updating of its facilities, a prep school in Suffolk needed to completely renovate its science laboratories before students returned from their summer break.
The priority was establishing a hygienic, durable environment suitable for educational laboratory work. The solid surface worktops were a critical feature of the renovation, needing to withstand daily student use while maintaining safety standards and aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Why Velstone?
InterFocus chose to partner with Velstone due to its established excellence in educational settings and its proven track record in the sector. The specifying architect, once introduced to Velstone’s exceptional quality, immediately recognised its suitability for this project.
From the outset, the architect aimed to create a functional yet distinctive and aesthetically pleasing environment for these labs. A key factor in the selection process was Velstone’s unique ability to provide a bespoke color in the required 25mm thickness—something no other solid surface brand could offer.
The laboratory environment demanded surfaces that were smooth, non-porous, easily cleaned, and resistant to bacterial growth. Velstone’s solid surface offered these essential qualities while providing seamless, continuous surfaces ideal for maintaining sterile conditions and preventing dust or bacterial accumulation in joints.
Client collaboration and support
The project required exceptional flexibility from Velstone, supplying sheets in a non standard colour, and in custom sizes, manufactured to minimise waste and maximise efficiency. Velstone undertook machining the worktops, delivering final product to site, ready for installation. All worktops were provided in Velstone’s distinctive O-310 Cygnet Onyx colour, creating a sophisticated aesthetic throughout the laboratories.
With tight time constraints and internal fittings scheduled during the summer holidays, the Velstone team went above and beyond to meet the project’s demands. To ensure a swift turnaround, they unloaded incoming materials on a Sunday evening, allowing production to begin first thing Monday morning. The factory team then completed the worktop fabrication within just three days, ensuring on-time delivery to the site and preventing any delays that could have disrupted the school’s academic calendar. The challenging timeline required seamless coordination between all parties involved.
An overwhelming success
A spokesperson from the school’s Science department said: “The refurbishment of the Science labs has been an overwhelming success, and the worktops have helped to encourage a more spacious and harmonious working environment, with the lighter colour giving the room a brighter appearance.”
Alex Clark, Velstone’s Operations Manager, reflected: “Working alongside InterFocus was brilliant and the transformation of these science laboratories into exciting, modern teaching spaces was remarkable. While the timeline presented significant challenges, we communicated clearly about lead times for the bespoke colour throughout the process, ensuring InterFocus could plan effectively despite the tight schedule. The laboratories now provide an inspirational environment where students can learn for decades to come.”
Sameer Sawant, Velstone’s Director, added: “Educational facilities represent a core market for Velstone, and our extensive experience delivering large-scale school projects proved invaluable here.
“The solid surface worktops we supplied are engineered specifically to withstand the rigorous demands of laboratory environments while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. What particularly stands out about this project is how our ability to manufacture custom sizes significantly reduced material waste – an important consideration for educational institutions with sustainability goals.”
For more information call 0208 861 4422.
