Project Insights: Transforming an Educational Space at Chipping Norton School

As a Project Manager at Power & Control, I have the privilege of overseeing projects where our team’s technical expertise directly contributes to the creation of exceptional facilities. Our current engagement at Chipping Norton School is a prime example—a complex project to convert a former art room into a cutting-edge Food Technology classroom.

This is more than a simple refurbishment; it's a strategic undertaking to create a purpose-built educational environment. The success of such a transformation hinges on the design and implementation of a safe, robust, and highly functional electrical infrastructure.

Engineering the Power Backbone for a High-Demand Environment

The primary challenge was clear from the outset. A modern food technology suite has significant power demands, far exceeding those of a standard classroom. It requires dedicated, high-load capacity for multiple commercial-grade cookers, hobs, and specialist extraction systems to operate simultaneously and safely.

Our engineering solution involved designing and installing a completely new, dedicated electrical backbone for the room. This foundational work is critical to guarantee consistent, reliable power, ensuring lessons can run smoothly and safely without the risk of system overloads.

Upgrading to a Superior Lighting and Energy Model

Effective lighting is crucial for both safety and the quality of the learning experience. The original lighting was inadequate for the detailed work required in food preparation.

Our team engineered a complete overhaul, replacing the outdated fittings with a state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The benefits of this are twofold: firstly, it provides brilliant, uniform illumination across the entire workspace, which is essential for safety and focus. Secondly, the high-efficiency nature of LED technology delivers a significant reduction in operational costs and improves the school's overall energy model, providing a tangible return on investment.

Integrating Functionality and Assuring Compliance

A successful project is defined by its attention to detail. Our remit extended to ensuring every functional and safety aspect was addressed to the highest standard:

Essential Services: We managed the integration of dedicated circuits for new hot water heaters, a critical component for hygiene compliance in any food handling environment.

Workspace Practicality: To support modern teaching, we installed a network of strategically placed power outlets at worktop level. This provides flexible and convenient power for a wide range of kitchen appliances and IT equipment.

Unyielding Commitment to Safety: Safety is the cornerstone of our work. The project includes a full-scale modification of the fire alarm system and the installation of a new, fully compliant emergency lighting system, specifically tailored to the classroom's new layout and use.

The Chipping Norton School project showcases our team's ability to understand the unique demands of specialist educational environments. We are proud to be delivering a safe, efficient, and inspiring facility that will serve students and staff for many years to come.

If you are planning a facility upgrade or require specialist electrical contracting for an educational or commercial project, I invite you to contact Power & Control to discuss how our expertise can benefit you.