Bradfield College, nestled in the Berkshire countryside, enjoys a well-established reputation for being one of the country’s leading independent boarding schools, built on foundations dating back to the nineteenth century. The College was founded by the rector of the parish church in 1850. In 2021, the College bought the Grade II* listed building, after it had been unused for several years, and began an ambitious transformative refurbishment in 2022. The St. Andrew’s Study Centre, a contemporary library and study space tailored for pupils, was opened in the spring of 2024. 

In March 2023, Showcase PSR Portsdown secured the tender to provide the furniture package for this historic space. Their objective was clear: to blend the rich history of the church with the aim of “creating a contemporary workspace in a historical setting”, the project took place over a two-week installation period in February 2024.  

Scope & Services

Showcase PSR Portsdown worked closely with the architects, Squires and Brown, alongside Bradfield College’s staff and pupils. Recognising the pivotal role of stakeholder involvement, selected pupils participated in supplier visits and contributed valuable insights into product selection. The design approach aimed to infuse modernity into the space while respecting its heritage, with special attention given to areas like the sanctuary, tailored for quiet study. 

An array of furniture was selected to cater to diverse needs, from study tables with integral lighting to lounge chairs and cafeteria furniture. The architects’ vision for the building was clear, focusing on providing quality products that would stand the test of time. Showcase PSR honoured this by sourcing modern and sustainable task chairs, specifically the Orangebox ‘Allow Me’ chairs, chosen by the pupils. 

Showcase PSR provided study tables, sofas, booths, meeting chairs, tables, flexible tables, lounge chairs, and cafeteria furniture. These were designed to accommodate both group and independent study. The pupils appreciated the design innovation of the chairs, which they felt would support extended periods of study, are suitable for agile environments, and are very lightweight. 

The order was carefully managed to align with the building’s completion and the PSR team worked in collaboration with the College to co–ordinate the manufacturing and delivery timescales with the contractor’s programme to enable the building to open on schedule.  

Surveys were completed, and mood boards were produced for sign-off, along with material swatches. Selecting the right materials for the building was critical. Showcase PSR’s interior designers worked closely with the architects and the client to achieve the desired outcomes. The Showcase PSR Portsdown furniture selection team chose Agua and Camira fabrics for their high wool content, sustainability, natural dirt resistance, and Crib5 fire safety rating. 

Success Points

To meet the unique challenges posed by the building’s architecture, bespoke solutions were implemented, such as Frovi lighting to address the challenge of high ceilings and the provision of custom-made cushions and tables in the chancel area to preserve the integrity of the choir stalls. 

Given that the pupils and staff are environmentally and sustainability-conscious, a very considered approach was required, which Showcase PSR Portsdown was happy to adopt, sharing mutual values and commitment to sustainability. 

No detail was overlooked, resulting in an extremely happy client and an enriched environment for the pupils, meeting their sustainability standards as well as their comfort and lifestyle needs. 

The transformation of the church into the St. Andrew’s study centre exemplifies successful collaboration and innovative design. Showcase PSR’s careful planning and attention to detail, along with the input from the College community, resulted in a modern, sustainable space that honours the building’s history. 

The project’s success lies in its ability to merge tradition with innovation, providing an enriched learning environment for students while meeting their sustainability standards and comfort needs.