Lawford Bespoke Joinery was appointed to design, manufacture and install a 9-metre bespoke reception desk and feature bulkhead for Swindon College in Wiltshire.
What began as a standard reception desk tender quickly evolved into a highly technical commercial joinery project requiring advanced CAD modelling, precision CNC machining, and innovative solid surface fabrication.
The result is a seamless, sculptural centrepiece that now forms the architectural heart of the college’s reception area.
Project Description
The original design specified laminate. However, the architect’s sweeping curved forms presented a practical issue: laminate cannot achieve tight corner radii without visible joins or sharp transitions.
To maintain the integrity of the design, we recommended switching to Krion, a premium Italian solid surface material.
Seamless Curves
Krion can be thermoformed to create smooth, monolithic curves with no visible joints — essential for a 9-metre elliptical structure.
Repairable & Long-Lasting
Unlike laminate, which is difficult to repair once chipped, solid surface materials can be sanded and refinished on site. This makes them ideal for high-traffic commercial reception areas.
Cost-Controlled Procurement
Despite being a higher-specification material, careful supplier coordination ensured the project remained within budget.
This early design intervention preserved the architectural intent while improving durability and lifecycle value.
This installation was far more than a reception desk. It comprised:
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A 9m x 6m elliptical bulkhead
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A sculpted “filleted triangle” reception counter
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Integrated lighting and service voids
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40×40 lacquered oak slats over a curved MDF framework
The scale required both digital precision and practical problem-solving.
Our CAD technician translated the architect’s 2D drawings into a fully detailed 3D exploded model.
By digitally dissecting the structure layer by layer, we could:
- Validate structural integrity
- Coordinate internal supports
- Plan service integration
- Prevent installation clashes
This level of pre-construction modelling significantly reduced on-site risk and ensured seamless installation.
The elliptical bulkhead was constructed using CNC-cut softwood and MDF curved ribs, machined in-house for millimetre accuracy.
To guarantee efficient assembly, we programmed dowel-hole locators directly into the CNC files. This allowed components to slot together precisely on site before being glued and pinned — eliminating alignment errors on such a large curved form.
This blend of digital manufacturing and traditional joinery ensured structural strength without compromising aesthetic fluidity.
The completed reception area is a striking balance of organic form and engineered precision.
The curved bulkhead features lacquered oak slats fixed over a black-painted MDF flex-rail, creating depth and rhythm above the seamless solid surface desk below.
The result is a contemporary commercial reception desk that feels sculptural, durable and architecturally integrated.
Project Gallery
Every piece is tailored to specification.
Speak directly with our craftsmen to receive a detailed quote.