Changing facilities at Edgeborough School

This modular timber frame building features two spacious changing rooms, each accommodating up to 54 pupils aged 9-13, complete with showers, toilets, and essential storage spaces. A large, sleek canopy seamlessly connects the new building to the existing sports hall, offering covered access in all weather conditions and much-needed storage for PE equipment. This timelapse video shows the 24 weeks of construction.

Edgeborough School, established in 1906 in Guildford by Headmaster Arthur Henry James, began as a preparatory school with just 21 students and 5 staff members. Throughout its history, the school has adapted to various challenges, including relocating to Farnham during World War I. It has grown steadily, with notable alumni such as Wilfred Malleson, who enrolled in 1908, and Toby Roberts, a climber who attended from 2008 to 2018. Now, in 2025, Edgeborough is a thriving independent school which continues to offer a rich educational experience, combining tradition with innovation.

Timber cladding was used throughout the building and further biophilic design elements, such as three large roof lights in the canopy, were incorporated to maximise natural light, creating a bright and inviting space for all to enjoy. This milestone investment underscores Edgeborough School’s commitment to sustainability and excellence through the provision of an inspiring environment where pupils can thrive, both on and off the field. The bespoke building has been meticulously designed to achieve net-zero in operation.

Bursar Sarah Riley writes;

“An Estates Masterplan was completed in 2022 with projects to support our ambitions and prioritised against the most pressing needs. The existing changing rooms ranked highly on our needs’ matrix, considering factors such as functionality, size, space, navigation and aesthetic appeal. Seeing the completion of this project means a great deal to us. While the previous facilities were adequate, the new changing rooms have highlighted just how much we needed a space that was fit for purpose. The transformation has not only improved the transition time for pupils between lessons but has also provided a clean, bright, and fresh environment for them to use. With a vibrant community of 360 pupils ranging from Early Years through to age 13, our school is bustling with activity throughout the week. The new changing rooms will be in constant use, serving our pupils five days a week, ensuring they have a functional, modern space to transition between lessons and activities. This high level of usage underscores the importance of having a facility that meets the needs of our dynamic school community.

We initially engaged with Weyside Architects with whom we had worked previously, drawing on our past positive experiences. Once the design was largely complete, we proceeded with a thorough interview process, engaging with several modular building specialists to explore the best options for the project. TG Escapes stood out by demonstrating a clear understanding of our need for a high-quality build whilst keeping costs reasonable. They provided innovative solutions and proposed a strategic approach to completing the build at the very heart of our school site, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal were seamlessly integrated.

We initially considered a non-modular build, but we were mindful that the construction period needed to be as brief as possible. Given the build’s location at the very heart of our school site, minimising disruption to daily activities was crucial. We wanted to ensure that the project could be completed efficiently without compromising the quality and functionality of the final result.

TG Escapes stood out because they are committed to achieving net-zero, and we made a point of visiting completed projects to gain a first-hand understanding of the results. We were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the finished products, which not only met but exceeded our expectations. The attention to detail and the sustainable, energy-efficient features were particularly noteworthy, reaffirming our confidence in the approach we had chosen.

Thorough and collaborative in their approach, TG Escapes offered a wide range of tailored solutions. Their wealth of experience allowed them to proactively propose alternative options, ensuring that we were presented with the most effective and innovative strategies for the project. Their ability to think ahead and offer flexible solutions was invaluable in achieving the best possible outcome.The project manager was excellent, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and organisation throughout. Communication was regular and clear ensuring smooth coordination and keeping everyone informed at all times. The team worked exceptionally well with me to resolve any issues that arose. They were proactive, responsive and always willing to collaborate on solutions. Their open communication and flexibility made it easy to address challenges quickly and effectively, ensuring that we stayed on track and met our goals.”

We are thoroughly impressed with the finished product; it has defied expectations, with the building not feeling at all like a typical modular structure. The design and craftsmanship have seamlessly blended to create a space that feels permanent, sophisticated, and perfectly in tune with the rest of the school environment. It’s evident that every detail has been carefully considered to ensure it exceeds the standard of a traditional modular build.

The building is exceptional and will significantly enhance the operations of our school. The design is not only visually striking but also thoughtfully crafted to support and elevate our educational environment. They offer a modern, dynamic space that supports creativity, collaboration and growth, making them a ‘game-changer’ for both staff and pupils. The impact they’ll have on our school community will be nothing short of transformative.

The new changing rooms have been met with fantastic feedback from pupils, parents, and staff alike. Pupils are loving the fresh, modern space, which offers a much-improved experience before and after games. Parents have expressed their appreciation for the high-quality facilities, recognising the investment in enhancing school life. Staff have also praised the design and functionality, highlighting how the upgraded space makes managing sports sessions smoother and more efficient. Overall, they have been a hugely positive addition to the school!”