For this project we were commissioned to manufacture a bespoke reception desk for a hospital in Coventry. The brief was anything but straightforward: the desk needed to enable staff to view the length of all four corridors of the ward, while also being cantilevered and constructed in such a way that no one could climb over it — resulting in a design dominated by complex compound angles.

What Made This One Special

• Complex Geometry & Site-Specific Design – Because of the requirement to oversee four corridors, the desk footprint and elevation were heavily irregular. We carried out an on-site template of the area and used that as the master reference and setting out rod in the workshop. From there, we designed ribs which were CNC-cut from plywood to form the internal support frame.

• Robust Structural Build – Once the ribs were ready, the whole team assembled a substantial plywood framework, clad it in MDF and ensured the frame matched the exact template. Cladding a frame with so many angles demanded constant precision and patience.

• Seamless Solid-Surface Finish – After the frame passed a trial fit on site (crucial, since once the solid surface was applied any corrections would have been extremely difficult), we partnered with Ideal Surfaces (Hinckley) to apply the solid surface cladding with seamless joints, ensuring that the final finish was hygienic, seamless and suitable for a hospital environment.
• Teamwork & Precision on Installation Day – Delivery and installation was a full-team effort: five from JFW and two from Ideal Surfaces. The desk was heavy, but thanks to the earlier templating work and trial run, it slid into position on installation day without issue. The result is a flawless fit and a striking centrepiece for the ward reception.

Outcome & Client Impact

The finished desk fulfils all client requirements – enabling staff to monitor all corridors while preventing unauthorised access and exit, providing a hygienic and durable surface ideal for a hospital, and making a bold visual statement. The combination of structural integrity, careful planning and solid-surface finish reflects the high level of craftsmanship that defines John F White Ltd.

If you have upcoming reception desk requirements, whether for healthcare, commercial, education, or bespoke environments, we’d be glad to help. Please get in touch with us to discuss your project and see how we can bring your specification to life with the same care and precision shown here.