Multi-level stainless steel sinks and worktops, from GEC Anderson, have been installed in the new activity and education space within the renovated Beaney Centre in Canterbury in order to provide an inclusive washing area for all ages and abilities.

The Beaney Centre has been home to one of Canterbury’s main museums and its library since 1899, and is a focus for cultural and heritage activities. This major refurbishment project has restored and enlarged an important heritage building, providing a fully accessible and attractive facility for visitors and the local community.

The specification for stainless steel was a result of discussions with the client, Canterbury County Council, in which it was clear that a high quality and durable surface was needed for the education space which, with a full programme of activities lined up, would be in constant use.

Architect Paul Martin from Sidell Gibson said, “We have had good experience with using GECA for their bespoke surfaces and were therefore happy to specify them again.”

It was important for the client to provide an inclusive education space with facilities for school children, disabled visitors and adults. The stainless steel sinks provided were of three different heights to suit Key Stage 1 and 2 and incorporating a lower level top to comply with DDA requirements and so enabling wheelchair access to the sink.

As the room will be used for painting and modelling, the sinks needed a mechanism by which to trap the sand and plaster. GEC Anderson stainless steel Sand traps and a Gypsum Separator were therefore specified, allowing paints and solids to be segregated from the waste water.

GEC Anderson’s impressive range of professional quality stainless steel products for kitchens and washrooms was ideal in the Beaney project. Each top was made to the size (1350x600mm) specified by the architect. The units incorporate a stainless steel upstand of 100mm in height and, due to the multi-height arrangement, the side upstands were varied so that they meet the underside of the adjacent sinktop, thereby providing a practical and watersafe solution. Lipped (40mm) edge profiles were provided to the front edges, to prevent spillage to the units below or onto the floor.

GEC Anderson products are manufactured under ISO9001 quality procedures using EN 1.4301 grade stainless steel with the option of acid resisting grade.