School library is a star

27 May 2014

The new library has been named ‘The Sithara’, ‘Star’ in Hindi. 

Demco Interiors worked over a period of weeks with the school team to design and furnish the space with both teams bringing innovative ideas to the table. 

Mike Pope, headteacher, said: “After seeing a Demco project in another school I was so impressed that I contacted them immediately. Jacquie Smith, one of Demco’s project consultants, visited the school and discussed with us the vision for the library, which she soon turned into a final plan we were delighted with." 

The plan presented the school with a full colour scheme, floor plan and a stunning design for the library shelving. "The fitters were of the highest calibre and the finished product is really exceptional. We were amazed at the cost of the project and expected it to have been considerably more.” 

Demco’s design brief was to develop the space into a library and resource area for Upper Key Stage 2. The space had to be both practical and enjoyable for children as well as “bringing that extra something that will wow prospective pupils and their families.”

Mix and match

The new space mixes and matches bespoke and off-the-shelf products. The bespoke curved shelving is designed to create subtle zones and is complemented by island units on castors, similar to the adult version express units often seen and used in public libraries. A green screen for recording is situated at one end, overlooked by amphitheatre-effect soft seating where students can sit for reading time or even to watch some filming. Where possible furnishings have been designed to ‘double up’ with IT desking along the back of shelving and seating areas.  

The space itself is partly below ground so Demco’s design team installed downlighters and selected colours that bring a really vibrant look and feel to the space. Additional features include banquette seating with concealed storage, and huddles of tables and chairs for group and intervention work.    

Jacqui Smith, said: “Flexibility and flow are two key features of this library – we designed the shelving so that it leads you through the space but also created subtle zoning with coloured carpet insets. It almost feels like stepping stones through the library. Signposting is incorporated into the shelving with large end of bay graphics, and we even managed to source a world map that complements the library colour scheme.”