Pushing the Barriers of the Design for School Railings

Gates and railings are a vital part of any school grounds, not only in offering protection and enhancing security, but in ensuring they enhance the school’s surroundings and reflect its values.

When commercial landscaping company Calabasas Ltd was successful in tendering for a major refurbishment of Forster Park Primary school in the London Borough of Lewisham, the company purchased high quality railings and gates from bespoke architectural metalwork manufacturer Alpha Rail.   The innovative style of fencing was designed by Mode 1 architects. The project involved a complete refurbishment, with the existing railings and gates removed in order to improve the appearance and security of the school building and its surrounding area.

Alpha Rail, which is based in Nottinghamshire and has worked in partnership with Calabasas Ltd on many projects, assisted with the design of two pairs of entrance gates and 40 metres of railing, which reflected four popular themes of the school: Learning, Creativity, Activity and Music.  Architects Mode 1 had created a contemporary theme for the railings that Alpha Rail cleverly incorporated into the design to give a stunning effect.

Jenny Chiverton, Headteacher of Forster Park School, said: “We were pleased that Alpha Rail were able to incorporate the themes that our children had chosen.”

“So many visitors have commented on how attractive the entrance to our school looks now. The railings and gates are stunning and certainly brighten up the school for parents, children and staff.”

Alpha Rail provided full working drawings with a solution that included high quality galvanised mild steel vertical flat bar infills that offered a robust and aesthetically pleasing design.                      

The rails were supplied powder coated in an attractive black finish that complemented the style of the surrounding walls and buildings.

Phil Ball, Sales Director for Alpha Rail said: “We were delighted to be involved with this exciting and challenging new project.  The fact that we were able to incorporate the school’s four themes plus a number of symbols representing the world and the school’s location into the design is testament to the expertise of our design and technical team.  The overall effect is stunning and makes the school distinctively different, whilst at the same time benefiting from a high performance product that should retain its attractive look for many years.”

Guy Humphryes from Calabasas Ltd, explains: “The railings have made a huge difference to the overall appearance of the school.  We have worked with Alpha Rail on many projects and their customer service, product quality and ability to meet strict delivery deadlines is second to none.  The addition of the decorative symbols are an eyecatching finishing touch that has created huge interest from visitors to the school and created a major talking point!”