Café Refurbishment Project for Dubai English Speaking School

About the Client

Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in Dubai, with over 60 years of service in providing quality British education to students. Located in Oud Metha, DESS is renowned for its community focus and commitment to excellence, supporting students, staff, and parents through a wide range of activities and programs.

The Client’s Challenge

DESS identified a need to renovate and refurbish its staff café, which was no longer fit for purpose. The space was originally shared by staff, parents, and students, which created issues with noise levels, acoustics, and a lack of designated space for staff to hold informal meetings, relax, or work in peace. The acoustics of the room made it difficult for staff to communicate effectively, especially during busy hours. The school also wanted the new design to reflect a natural, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, providing a calming atmosphere for staff to unwind.

Crown Workspace’s Solution

Crown Workspace worked closely with DESS to understand the specific needs of both the staff and the broader school community. The solution focused on creating a dedicated space for teachers that met both practical and aesthetic requirements. Key features included:

Acoustic Pods: To address the noise challenges, Crown Workspace installed acoustic pods, allowing staff to hold meetings, take calls, or work without disruptions.

Natural Aesthetic: Inspired by Scandinavian design, the refurbishment featured natural wood finishes, a live plant wall and moss wall feature, and an artificial olive tree with a real trunk, complemented by recessed lighting to create a warm, natural ambiance.

Functional Design: The redesign also included bespoke furniture that fit the needs of the staff while adhering to tight lead times and logistical constraints. Crown Workspace remained flexible, providing temporary solutions when some furniture was delayed, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

Throughout the project, Crown Workspace maintained open communication with DESS, overcoming logistical challenges while ensuring the design met the school’s high standards.

Results

The staff café at DESS was transformed into a tranquil, modern space that staff have wholeheartedly embraced. The improved acoustics have made it a practical space for both relaxation and informal meetings, while the natural design elements have created a calming atmosphere. The centerpiece olive tree, now used as a “gratitude tree” where staff hang notes of appreciation for each other, has further enhanced the sense of community within the school.

Feedback from both staff and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with the staff praising the functional design, the calming atmosphere, and the attention to detail.

Client Testimonial

Steve Rycroft, Facilities Manager at DESS, praised Crown Workspace for their personal approach, saying,

“From day one, it felt like this project mattered to Crown Workspace. Their engagement, transparency, and ability to deliver a beautiful, functional space on budget and slightly ahead of schedule made the entire process smooth. I would absolutely recommend Crown Workspace to other schools.”

Conclusion

Crown Workspace successfully delivered a renovation project that exceeded expectations, creating a space that not only solved the existing challenges but also fostered a sense of community and well-being for the staff. The partnership between DESS and Crown Workspace exemplifies how thoughtful design and expert project management can transform educational spaces.