Crafting a Reception Space That Honours Heritage and Elevates First Impressions
Main School ReceptionSt Paul's Girls' SchoolHammersmith, London
CASE STUDY
A Historic Setting Demanding Sensitivity and Respect
St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith is one of the country’s most successful and respected institutions, housed within Grade II listed buildings designed by Arts and Crafts architect Gerald Horsley. It is also a place of remarkable cultural heritage—Gustav Holst served as Director of Music here for 30 years and composed The Planets Suite within its walls. When we were commissioned to design the school’s main reception desk, we knew the project required a lightness of touch and a deep respect for the historic surroundings. This was the first space visitors encounter, and our approach prioritised humility over spectacle, focusing on refined materials and craftsmanship rather than bold design statements.
Blending contemporary craftsmanship with the elegance of a Grade II listed setting, creating a welcome that feels both new and familiar
A reception desk designed to complement its surroundings.
A Material and Craft‑Led Approach
To achieve the level of precision and subtlety the setting demanded, the desk was manufactured from Solid Surface—a dense, highly workable material composed of acrylic resins blended with natural minerals and pigments. This allowed us to tailor the form closely to the building’s interior architectural profiles, using skilled carpenters to create invisible joints and concealed detailing. The material also enabled us to cut the school’s intricate crest directly into the front of the desk and incorporate discreet plinth lighting, adding a sense of quiet sophistication without overwhelming the heritage of the space.
Balancing Aesthetic Sensitivity with Everyday Practicality
While the visual and architectural considerations were paramount, the reception also needed to function seamlessly as the operational hub of a busy school. This is the place where lost property and forgotten musical instruments are dropped off, where post is delivered and collected, and where students queue for temporary security passes when theirs have been left at home. It is also where contractors sign in and visitors request Wi‑Fi access. The design therefore had to support a wide range of daily interactions without compromising the elegance of the space.
Integrated Storage and Intelligent Functionality
To meet these practical needs, we incorporated a series of integrated pigeonholes and cupboards, all manufactured from the same high‑quality materials to maintain visual consistency. These elements provide organised storage for the constant flow of items passing through reception, while also enabling us to mount signing‑in iPads and printers neatly on the surface, with all cables fully concealed. The result is a reception desk that feels both timeless and highly functional—an understated centrepiece that respects the school’s architectural legacy while supporting the demands of modern school life.
Main School ReceptionSt Paul's Girls' SchoolHammersmith, London
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