Eldon School

ARCHITECT

AD Architects

DETAIL

Cooper8 were commissioned to design and implement a kitchen solution for Eldon School, a site serving a population of 1,200 students. Guided by the London Borough of Enfield Design Specification and BB103 Area Guidelines, the project focused on optimising the flow of goods and operations from delivery through to storage, preparation, cooking, serving, and dishwashing. To accommodate the school’s needs, the final design included two separate servery counters to ensure a smooth dining experience for both infants and juniors.

A unique aspect of this project was the need for a temporary kitchen to operate while the existing facility was demolished and rebuilt. Cooper8 designed this temporary setup to closely replicate the final kitchen layout, enabling staff to maintain menu consistency and efficient workflows throughout the construction period. The temporary kitchen was equipped with carefully specified, energy-efficient equipment and powered by a generator with sound attenuation to minimise disruption to the school environment.

The project required meticulous planning and co-ordination. Cooper8 handled key responsibilities, including submitting and managing planning permission for temporary buildings, securing Building Control approvals and the completion certificate, and liaising with the Fire Officer to ensure compliance. Additionally, the team sourced and specified the temporary building arrangement and equipment to support the school’s menu requirements, ensuring seamless operation for over a year.

The transition to the new permanent kitchen was executed smoothly, integrating the final design’s logical workflows and energy-efficient equipment. Cooper8’s solution supported Eldon School in maintaining uninterrupted catering services while delivering a state-of-the-art kitchen that meets their long-term needs.