Alleyn’s School Washrooms
We worked with Alleyn’s School to design and deliver transformed washrooms—a space featuring smart technology that enhances privacy and usability, where respect and pride have reshaped how this essential area is used every day.
The vision behind the Alleyn’s School washroom refurbishment was to put the student voice at the forefront. The project was born from students themselves expressing the need for change, with many describing the washrooms as outdated and unwelcoming. The goal was to create a space that was open, bright, and pastorally safe, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and respectful environment. In addition, the new washrooms were designed to align with the school’s larger strategy of supporting its commercial operations by offering facilities that cater to a diverse community.
“”The project allowed our student voice to take front stage … It’s been really interesting to see the change in behaviour amongst the students.””
Mr. Guy Collins-Down
Chief Operating Officer
Bringing the Vision to Life
The refurbishment process was marked by an unprecedented level of student engagement during consultations. Teaching staff reported seeing students more engaged that ever before, with many students keen to share their thoughts and ideas. The focus was not just on aesthetics but also on addressing practical concerns, such as creating individual, self-contained bathroom spaces that mirror the privacy and comfort of home.
The result? A transformative design featuring 14 individualised bathroom areas, each with its own toilet, wash basin, hand dryer, and necessary amenities. By eliminating separate male and female areas, this inclusive design promotes comfort and dignity for all students while reducing behavioural issues that can arise in shared spaces.
The result? A transformative design featuring 14 individualised bathroom areas, each with its own toilet, wash basin, hand dryer, and necessary amenities. By eliminating separate male and female areas, this inclusive design promotes comfort and dignity for all students while reducing behavioural issues that can arise in shared spaces.
Materials + Patterns
The new washrooms showcase a calm and modern aesthetic, prioritising durability and functionality. The previous layout, which felt enclosed and uninviting, was replaced with a central atrium surrounded by open-plan facilities. Light tones, sturdy materials, and sleek fixtures create a welcoming atmosphere, while thoughtful planting in the atrium adds a touch of vibrancy and life.
To further enhance the space, the walls and flooring were designed to minimise damage and ensure longevity, reflecting the school’s investment in creating a lasting positive impact.
To further enhance the space, the walls and flooring were designed to minimise damage and ensure longevity, reflecting the school’s investment in creating a lasting positive impact.
Integrating Smart Technology
As part of the school’s Smart School Project, innovative technology was seamlessly integrated into the washroom design. Each bathroom is equipped with sensors that detect occupancy, triggering a green-to-red light system outside the cubicle for added privacy. The sensors also provide valuable data on usage patterns, allowing the school to identify popular facilities, monitor dwell times, and even flag potential pastoral concerns when necessary. This technology underscores Alleyn’s School’s commitment to leveraging data to enhance student well-being and operational efficiency.
The Impact
Since the new washrooms were unveiled, the school has observed remarkable changes in student behavior. What was once a space for hiding has now become a welcoming, well-used facility where students feel safe and respected. Younger students, in particular, have found the new environment less intimidating, fostering greater inclusivity.
Notably, the new design has encouraged students to treat the space with care and respect—no damage has been reported since the opening. The feedback from students and staff alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasising how the transformation has elevated the school environment. The successful delivery of this project, thanks to the collaboration with Noble + Eaton, has set a new benchmark for future refurbishments, proving the value of a cohesive, student-centred approach.
Notably, the new design has encouraged students to treat the space with care and respect—no damage has been reported since the opening. The feedback from students and staff alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasising how the transformation has elevated the school environment. The successful delivery of this project, thanks to the collaboration with Noble + Eaton, has set a new benchmark for future refurbishments, proving the value of a cohesive, student-centred approach.
