The Learning Experience, Weybridge | VIRTUS Contracts Limited

Value:

£2.4m

Timescale:

24 weeks

Back at The Learning Experience for our second project and what an experience.
It was our pleasure to deliver another high end space.

A bright and cheerful classroom labeled "Penny's Place," designed for young children. The room features a large, white table surrounded by comfortable chairs, ideal for group activities. Colorful hooks line the wall for hanging bags and coats, while a bank of lockers offers secure storage for personal items. The space is well-lit with natural light from a large window, creating an inviting and engaging environment for learning and play. The overall design is functional and playful, encouraging creativity and interaction among students.

This project transformed a two-storey office building into a high-end children’s nursery designed specifically for early years education. To create the new environment, we completed a full strip-out of the existing internal partitions, fixtures, and fittings. We then installed a new MEPH system tailored to the operational requirements of a modern nursery.

Creating an Engaging Learning Environment

The 1,033 sq m building now provides a bright, welcoming setting that supports children from infancy through to pre-school age. Consequently, the design prioritises comfort, safety, and functionality across every space.

We created a series of purpose-designed classrooms for infants, toddlers, twaddlers, preppers, and pre-school children. In addition, bespoke joinery solutions within each classroom support age-specific learning and storage requirements. Together, these features create an engaging environment that encourages development and interaction.

Staff and Support Facilities

Alongside the teaching spaces, we delivered a welcoming reception and front-of-house area that creates a positive first impression for parents and visitors. Furthermore, the nursery benefits from a fully fitted commercial-standard kitchen, staff room, pantry, laundry facilities, and dedicated staff offices.

As a result, the building supports both the educational and operational needs of the nursery.

Transforming the External Areas

Externally, we revitalised the tiered courtyard to create safe and stimulating outdoor play spaces. Therefore, we introduced new play areas finished with artificial grass, alongside new perimeter fencing to enhance safety and security.

In addition, we installed new glazed doors that replicate the appearance of the original systems while improving performance and usability.

Security and Safety

Security formed a key part of the project from the outset. Consequently, we installed a comprehensive access control and security system throughout the facility. This solution helps provide a secure environment for children, staff, and visitors while supporting the day-to-day operation of the nursery.

The Outcome

Through careful planning and close collaboration with the client, we successfully converted the former office building into a modern nursery environment that balances functionality, safety, and design quality. Furthermore, we completed the project on time and within budget across a 24-week programme, delivering a facility ready to support the next generation of learners.

Project Gallery

An exterior view of an educational facility named "The Learning Experience," showcasing a welcoming entrance with colorful signage. The building features a modern design with large windows that promote natural light. The surrounding area includes paved parking spaces and well-maintained landscaping, creating an inviting atmosphere for students and families. The layout is designed for accessibility and safety, making it suitable for early childhood education. Brightly colored markers indicate various entry points, enhancing navigation for visitors.

An external view of an educational building featuring a brick facade with arched windows, surrounded by vibrant green synthetic grass which makes up the playground for the pupils. The well-maintained outdoor area includes a yellow railing leading to the entrance, ensuring accessibility. The structure is designed for functionality and aesthetics, with large windows to maximize natural light. The overall environment promotes a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for students, enhancing the learning experience.

A vibrant classroom designed for early childhood education, featuring colorful murals depicting playful characters and imaginative scenes on the walls. The space includes modern shelving units in the foreground, ideal for organizing learning materials. The ceiling is adorned with whimsical cloud-shaped elements, enhancing the playful atmosphere. Large windows allow ample natural light to brighten the room, creating an inviting environment that encourages creativity and exploration among young learners.

A lively classroom designed for young children, showcasing colorful murals filled with whimsical characters and imaginative landscapes on the walls. The room features modern shelving units and low seating areas with bright yellow accents, promoting an engaging learning environment. Soft, cloud-shaped ceiling elements add to the playful ambiance. Ample natural light floods in through large windows, creating an inviting space that encourages creativity, interaction, and exploration among students.

A welcoming reception area designed for a children's educational facility, featuring bright colors and playful decor. The front desk is adorned with colorful letters and shapes, inviting young visitors. Vibrant murals depicting friendly characters and cheerful scenes line the walls, enhancing the playful atmosphere. The space is well-lit with natural light, creating an inviting environment for children and parents alike. A large window allows visibility into the reception area, reinforcing a sense of openness and accessibility.

A professionally fitted kitchen following a refurbishment, featuring stainless steel appliances and countertops suitable for teaching culinary skills. The layout includes wall-mounted cabinets, a large "ULTRA" refrigerator, a dishwasher, and a centrally positioned stove with an overhead microwave. Bright overhead lighting and ample counter space support safe food preparation.

A spacious and modern classroom designed for early childhood education, featuring a clean and minimalist layout. Bright orange accents around the windows and door add a pop of color to the otherwise neutral space. The room includes a kitchenette area with a sink and countertop, ideal for hands-on activities. Wall-mounted shelves provide organized storage for materials. Ample natural light fills the space through large windows, creating an inviting environment that encourages exploration and creativity among young learners.

A colorful hallway leading to a children's library, characterized by vibrant murals depicting bookshelves filled with colorful books. The walls are adorned with playful graphics, creating an engaging atmosphere for young learners. The corridor features bright ceiling panels in various colors, enhancing the cheerful environment. Large windows provide natural light, making the space feel open and inviting. The overall design promotes exploration and curiosity, encouraging children to enjoy reading and learning.

A bright and airy classroom designed for young children, featuring a spacious layout with modern furnishings. The room includes white shelving units and a kitchenette area with vibrant yellow accents. Large windows allow ample natural light to fill the space, creating an inviting atmosphere. The walls are mostly neutral, complemented by colorful touches around the windows and door. The flooring features a patterned design, adding character to the environment, which encourages creativity and exploration among students.

A spacious and well-lit classroom designed for young children, showcasing a clean and minimalist aesthetic. The room features modern white shelving units and a central island, providing flexible storage and workspace. Bright orange accents on the walls add a pop of color, while large windows allow natural light to flood the space. The flooring is light and neutral, creating a bright and inviting environment that encourages creativity and interaction among students. The overall design promotes a welcoming atmosphere ideal for learning.

A vibrant hallway adorned with colorful murals that promote literacy and learning. The walls feature playful graphics of bookshelves and cheerful characters alongside inspirational text encouraging reading and writing. Brightly colored ceiling panels enhance the lively atmosphere. The corridor leads to various classroom doors, creating an engaging and inviting environment for young learners. The overall design fosters a sense of excitement about education and collaboration, encouraging students to explore their learning journey together.

Awards and Accreditations

We are committed to being recognised as a modern forward thinking construction company and realise the importance of meeting the standards and expectations of our customers and in recognition of this we are members of Constructionline and CHAS, whilst also having accreditation under ISO9001 & ISO1400.