Future-Focused Design & Technology Facilities
In 2015, Nortek Group was invited to supply a significant proportion of the technical and classroom furniture for the newly extended and comprehensively refurbished Patrick Engineering Centre at Oundle School. This prestigious project formed part of a major investment into Design & Technology education, creating a facility capable of supporting both traditional making skills and advanced manufacturing technologies within a secondary school learning environment.
More than a decade on, the project remains a strong example of how forward-thinking investment in high-quality school D&T technical furniture and workbenches delivers long-term value, adaptability, and outstanding learning environments.
Oundle School is a co-educational boarding and day school located in the historic market town of Oundle, Northamptonshire. The original Design & Technology department was extended and exhaustively refurbished, retaining the famous large projects space for which the school is well known.
The redevelopment introduced two acoustically segregated design studios for virtual modelling and prototype development, alongside an advanced manufacturing suite adjacent to the design laboratory. This new suite supports cutting-edge processes such as metallic and UV-cured polymer 3D printing, as well as robotics and automated manufacturing.
In addition to the large project area, five open-plan workshop bays were created to allow pupils to work in smaller teaching groups while sharing fixed machinery. Dedicated classrooms for design theory and taught lessons are positioned close to the workshops, ensuring smooth transitions between theory and practical learning.
Nortek Group was chosen for this high-profile project by Head of Design & Technology Jon Baker. Before moving on, Jon had previously specified Nortek Group furniture in another school, where the technology and ICT furniture had performed exceptionally well over time.
Based on that experience, he recognised that Nortek Group’s manufacturing capability, build quality, and longevity made it the natural choice for Oundle’s multi-million-pound investment during 2015–16. Importantly, the project also required a number of highly bespoke solutions, which Nortek Group — as a UK manufacturer of educational furniture— was uniquely positioned to design and fabricate to precisely fit the new spaces.
Custom six-person Craftwork 2000 workbenches and Craftwork 1000 Metalworking Benches were purpose-designed for the large design-and-make areas. These benches provide exceptional strength and stability, making them ideal for demanding practical projects while supporting collaborative learning in a secondary school D&T workshop.
To complement the workbenches, dedicated Tool Storage Units specified to make sure the workshop remained tidy and safe. This provided secure, well-organised tool storage that supports both staff oversight and efficient lesson delivery. Simple yet effective bespoke features — such as integrated storage for rolls of vinyl and Perspex sheet — were incorporated into bench designs to keep workspaces tidy and uncluttered.
The two CAD design studios were fitted out to support both collaborative and individual learning. CBW (Cantilever Basic Workstation) desks were installed around the perimeter of each room for PC-based design work, while Plectrum collaborative learning tables were positioned centrally. All complimented by VS PantoMove Lupo chairs, which will last for generations!
This layout allows teachers to deliver group instruction in 3D modelling software while students simultaneously undertake individual design development and practice — a flexible approach that supports varied teaching styles and learning needs.
As with all Nortek Group projects, the entire installation was completed by our Specialist Installations Team. All furniture was delivered safely to site and assembled in-situ with minimal disruption, ensuring a smooth handover at project completion.
Today, the Patrick Engineering Centre stands as clear evidence that investing in bespoke, high-quality workbenches and technical furniture pays dividends over time. The facilities remain in excellent condition, continue to adapt to evolving technologies, and support Oundle School’s reputation for excellence in Design & Technology education.
A word from Jon Baker:
“The Nortek team provided us with the ideal balance of bespoke and customised furniture solutions to equip our new design, engineering and technology facility. From the department’s design studio workspaces to the workbenches in our fabrication bays, the quality of their work and the associated installation was first class. We as a faculty are delighted with the final outcome, as are the pupils who use The Patrick Engineering Centre at Oundle School.”
Jon Baker – (now former) Head of Design, Engineering and Technology, Oundle School.
If your school or college is planning a D&T refurbishment or new-build project, Nortek Group can deliver a future-proof solution — combining bespoke manufacturing, proven durability, and expert installation.
Visit Nortek Industrial
Visit Mirplay School