Bespoke Reception Desk & Curved Bulkhead.
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.
Re-Engineering the Specification.
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.
Why the Change Benefited the Client.
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.
Engineering a 9-Metre Centrepiece.
This installation was far more than a reception desk. It comprised:
A 9m x 6m elliptical bulkhead
A sculpted “filleted triangle” reception counter
Integrated lighting and service voids
40x40 lacquered oak slats over a curved MDF framework
The scale required both digital precision and practical problem-solving.
Advanced 3D CAD Modelling.
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.
CNC Precision & Structural Framework
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 Finished Installation.
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.