Little Dukes Holland Park

Pippa Pop-ins Holland Park involved the comprehensive refurbishment of a derelict office building in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, transforming it into a premium early year’s educational facility for Dukes Education.

The project delivered a complete building transformation, creating purpose-designed teaching spaces, communal areas, and outdoor facilities tailored to modern early years education. Key features of the project included modernised classrooms featuring new finishes and integrated educational technologies, alongside reconfigured circulation routes and entrances to enhance accessibility. Enhanced recreational zones and administrative offices were incorporated throughout, with inclusive design features implemented across all four floors & external play area.

Aligned with the client’s environmental commitments, the scheme integrated Passivhaus principles through energy efficient LED lighting systems, secondary-glazed windows for improved thermal performance, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems. Underfloor heating was also installed throughout the building. These measures significantly reduced the building’s operational carbon footprint while creating a comfortable, healthy learning environment.

A significant component of the project was the design and installation of extensive bespoke joinery, carefully tailored to early years requirements. Dedicated storage areas were created to accommodate equipment, outdoor play materials, and student belongings, with child-height accessibility considered throughout. A vibrant children’s play area featured bespoke joinery elements activity stations designed to stimulate imaginative play and physical development. Coffee stations were installed in staff areas with built-in cabinetry. Throughout the nursery, custom bookshelves were fitted at appropriate heights for young learners. All joinery was specified to meet stringent safety standards for early years settings, with rounded edges, non-toxic finishes, and robust construction designed to withstand daily use. The completed nursery provides an educational setting that supports a broad the clients vision and supports Duke Education’s commitment to educational excellence through thoughtfully designed environments that meet learning needs.

Through collaborative working with contractors, consultants, and school leadership, the project was delivered on schedule despite a challenging timeline, with minimal disruption to the client.