Aluminium False Chimneys & Dormer Cladding for Canford School

Dales Fabrications are proud to be contributing to the delivery of New Sixth Form accommodation at Canford School, one of the UK’s leading independent schools. Scheduled to open in September 2026, the new residences for Upper Sixth boarders are currently under construction within the school’s historic campus in Poole, Dorset.

Dales are supplying Aluminium False Chimneys & Dormer Cladding finished in Interpon Y2217F Steel Bronze for the Canford School New Sixth Form Accommodation. Photos courtesy of Roweaver Developments Ltd.

Dales’ Involvement:

For the new Sixth Form Accommodation at Canford School, Dales Fabrications are designing and manufacturing bespoke aluminium False Chimneys and Dormer Cladding, designed to integrate  with the surrounding architecture.

All products will be finished in Interpon Y2217F Steel Bronze to align with the established architectural palette.

Project overview:

Canford School was recently awarded South of England School of the Year 2025 and this development forms part of its ongoing investment in high-quality facilities.

Following the successful completion of the Sixth Form Hub in 2025, which involved the conversion of Montacute House, this project represents the next phase in the evolution of the Upper Sixth Form provision.

Currently spread across seven existing boarding houses, Upper Sixth boarders will be relocated into a single, purpose-built facility offering 120 en-suite single study bedrooms split across two wings, arranged around a central courtyard. The design takes inspiration from a collegiate, Oxbridge-style model, aiming to create a university-like living and study environment that supports students’ transition to higher education, while blending in with the appearance of the historic campus.

Heritage Context

The entire school estate sits within the Canford Magna Conservation Area and is subject to Local Plan Policy PP30, which requires development to preserve or enhance Poole’s heritage assets and their settings. As a result, the new accommodation has been carefully designed to be sympathetic with the traditional character of the campus.

Aluminium in Heritage Applications:

Aluminium is increasingly used in heritage-sensitive projects due to its combination of technical performance and design flexibility. Key advantages include:

• Precision and versatility: Aluminium can be fabricated into complex shapes and fine details, making it well suited to replicating traditional architectural features such as Chimneys and Dormers.

• Lightweight strength: Aluminium’s high strength-to-weight ratio reduces structural load, which is particularly important when working within or alongside existing historic buildings.

• Durability and low maintenance: Aluminium is naturally resistant to corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term performance without the need for frequent upkeep – an important consideration for estate management.

• Finish flexibility: Through powder coating, aluminium can achieve a wide range of colours and textures, allowing it to visually integrate with heritage materials such as stone, brick, or timber. The range of colours and finishes Dales Fabrications offer can be explored here.

• Sustainability: Aluminium is fully recyclable and retains its properties indefinitely, supporting more sustainable construction practices.

All of these characteristics make aluminium a practical and sensitive choice for projects like Canford School, where new additions must respect and enhance an established historic setting.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to seeing the completed development and the role it will play in the future of Canford School. Further updates and completed project imagery will be shared in due course.