The Uppingham School Project
The Uppingham School Project
Back to His Roots: Europlanters Bring Science to Life at Uppingham School
When childhood passions evolve into lifelong careers, projects can become personal. For John Wilkes, Director of Europlanters, a recent commission at Uppingham School was more than just another rooftop installation—it was a full-circle moment.
It was at Uppingham, decades ago, that John first discovered his passion for fibreglass while building canoes as a schoolboy. Now, over 40 years later, that same enthusiasm for materials and craftsmanship brought him back to his alma mater to contribute to one of the school’s most ambitious architectural undertakings: the ‘Destination Science’ project.
Science Meets Landscape on the Roof
Set in the historic heart of Uppingham village, the new three-storey science block is part of a £40 million investment by the school to position science at the core of its academic vision. Designed to inspire the next generation of thinkers, the building integrates cutting-edge facilities with considered architectural detailing. A key feature of the project is its roof terrace, where students and staff can engage with nature amidst a structured, scientific setting.
Working closely with landscape architects Robert Myers Associates, Europlanters was commissioned to design and manufacture 17 bespoke GRP planters for this unique elevated space.
Precision Planning with a Nod to the Past
The planters were designed to form integrated flower beds, framing the terrace and complementing the architectural detailing. Ranging in size from 6765mm to 7388mm in length, all with a height of 530mm, the planters were carefully fabricated to align precisely with paving stones and custom hardwood seating, which cleverly houses hidden storage beneath.
The project’s material palette was chosen with intent: the RAL 9006 metallic silver finish of the planters mirrors the rooftop skylights, while contrasting elegantly with the anodised aluminium cladding and the school’s traditionalironstone architecture. The result is a contemporary rooftop space that remains visually connected to its historic surroundings.
“It was an honour to be involved in this project,” said Wilkes. “Returning to Uppingham has brought back many fond memories—and it’s wonderful to see how the school has evolved while maintaining its core spirit.”
A Sensory Sanctuary Above the Science Block
More than just an aesthetic addition, the planters help form a roof garden designed to stimulate the senses and support biodiversity. Landscapers installed a carefully curated selection of plants including:
- Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)
- Sedum species for drought tolerance
- Salvia officinalis (sage)
- Pelargonium crispum for fragrance and texture
These species were selected not only for their visual and olfactory qualities but also to attract wildlife and pollinators, making the terrace a living, breathing part of the building’s scientific mission.
Rooted in Purpose
The Uppingham School science terrace demonstrates the transformative potential of thoughtful rooftop landscaping—how it can extend learning environments, promote wellbeing, and even honour the personal stories behind a project’s execution. For Europlanters, it’s another example of how fibreglass innovation meets meaningful design, and how modern materials can play a central role in both architectural vision and educational legacy.
As the next generation of students explores the sciences within the new building, they’ll do so under the watchful gaze of pollinators and under the shelter of carefully positioned planters—crafted by an alumnus whose career was sparked in the very same setting.
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