Library, Washroom and Headmaster's Office Refurbishment

Westminster Cathedral Choir School | London

Over the summer holidays, CID Studyspace delivered an extensive school refurbishment at Westminster Cathedral Choir School, a prestigious independent preparatory school located in the heart of London. The project focused on three key areas: the library and classroom, the staff toilets, and the Headmaster’s office. Each space presented its own unique challenges, from working within very small washrooms to creating adaptable furniture solutions that supported different modes of learning. Careful planning, a strong design approach, and close collaboration with the school were essential to ensure the works were completed to the highest standards. Despite the tight summer holiday schedule, all areas were finished on time and ready for handover before the boys returned for the start of the new academic year.

Library and Classroom Transformation

The library and classroom formed the largest part of the school refurbishment project and required a design that balanced practicality with creativity. The brief was to refresh the space while providing pupils and teachers with a flexible environment that could adapt to a variety of activities. To achieve this, we installed transitional carpet alongside luxury vinyl tiles, clearly defining the two zones while also complementing one another in style and durability. The combination of these flooring types created a natural flow between the library and classroom areas, allowing each to retain its own identity.

Both areas were fully redecorated, creating a light and inviting atmosphere. The beautiful existing windows were enhanced with new blinds, which not only offered greater control of natural light but also provided a smart finishing detail. Furniture was carefully chosen to support the dual function of the space. Bespoke bookcases on castors allow staff to reconfigure the library layout with ease, whether for quiet study, group reading sessions, or classroom lessons. New teacher desks and student desks provided a solid and practical base for teaching, while the addition of colourful soft seating stools introduced comfort and vibrancy. Together, these design decisions helped create a modern learning environment that supports the school’s academic ethos.

Staff Toilets Refurbishment

The staff toilets were identified as being dated and in need of a complete overhaul. However, the rooms were very small, so space planning was crucial to ensure the finished design was functional and comfortable. The project began with a full strip-out of the old sanitaryware and tiles, clearing the way for a more modern and hygienic design.

We installed bespoke oak finish duct panels and matching vanity units which brought warmth and a sense of quality to the compact spaces. The walls were lined with sage green hygienic wall cladding, a practical choice that offers easy cleaning and long-term durability while also creating a calm and contemporary aesthetic. New toilets and basins were fitted, selected to maximise available space without compromising comfort. The flooring was replaced with luxury vinyl tiles in grey, chosen for their resilience in high-use areas and their ability to create a neutral base for the overall scheme.

Attention to detail was key in these small rooms. New mirrors, soap dispensers, locks, and ironmongery were fitted to ensure the washrooms were fully equipped and up to date. The result was two modern staff toilets that felt significantly more spacious, fresh, and professional, despite the restricted footprint.

Headmaster's Office

The Headmaster’s office was another space that benefited from the school refurbishment. While the layout remained the same, the finish of the room needed refreshing to better reflect its importance within the school. The existing carpet had become tired and difficult to maintain, so it was removed and replaced with luxury vinyl tiles. This flooring solution was selected not only for its durability but also for its sleek appearance, which adds a professional quality to the office environment.

This upgrade has provided a cleaner, brighter, and more hard-wearing space, ensuring that the office is both welcoming to visitors and practical for day-to-day use. The flooring choice will also prove cost-effective in the long run, reducing the need for future replacement and upkeep. By investing in this update, the school demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a professional environment across all areas, not just in teaching spaces.

Completion and Handover

Delivering three distinct projects within a single summer holiday period required careful coordination and a clear programme of works. Our team worked diligently to manage the refurbishment from start to finish, ensuring each phase was completed in sequence and to the highest possible standard. Close communication with Westminster Cathedral Choir School allowed us to keep the project on track, despite the natural challenges of working within an occupied heritage building on a short timescale.

By the time pupils and staff returned for the new academic year, the school refurbishment was complete and all three areas were ready for immediate use. The library and classroom offered a refreshed and flexible learning environment, the staff toilets provided a modern and hygienic upgrade, and the Headmaster’s office reflected the professional standards of the school. The project showcased how targeted refurbishments, when delivered with care and attention to detail, can have a transformative effect across multiple areas of a school.

Get in touch


Leave a Reply