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Our Projects: Victoria Park Christian School

Victoria Park Christian School is a unique educational institution committed to offering an outstanding education while embracing the power of nature-inspired learning. With a focus on delivering a holistic education that integrates outdoor classrooms and nature play areas, the school strives to create an inspiring educational environment.

In partnership with Office Line, Victoria Park Christian School undertook a project to furnish its new teaching block, including four General Learning Areas (GLAs) for early learning years and a small admin area. The school sought furniture that not only provided functionality but also aligned with its vision for a natural aesthetic, complementing the nature-play playground in front of the classrooms.

 Project Overview:

The project involved the design and furnishing of the new teaching block at Victoria Park Christian School, in collaboration with Matthews & Scavalli Architects. The facility included four GLAs designed for Pre Primary, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 students, accommodating 24 children per GLA. Additionally, a small administrative area with three workspaces was created. An existing GLA for Kindy students was also part of the project.

To meet the school's vision of a natural aesthetic and durability, Office Line provided a range of furniture and soft furnishings, including:

• Cubs Range: Developed specifically for early learning years, this furniture range was chosen for its practicality and comfort. The range includes many types of furniture, such as tables, chairs, stools and benches – all made from high-quality solid European beech. Each piece has been designed and manufactured with children in mind.  Sharp edges and corners have been removed, and non-toxic raw materials have been used throughout.

• Tetris Lounges: These lounges offer flexible seating options for students and teachers, contributing to a dynamic learning environment.

• Flexistack Units: Versatile and space-efficient, these units facilitate organised storage and seating arrangements in the classrooms. Combining the Gratnells trays and runners with a full melamine cabinet, they are available with various tray combinations, and we even offer a model with a comfortable seat pad to meet the needs of any flexible learning area.

• Teacher's Armchair (Saba): These armchairs, with timber legs and upholstered in Rosie Paine Fabric, provide a comfortable and stylish seating option for educators. Moreover, embrace the Aboriginal culture and teach kids about it from an early age. 

• Heavy-Duty Bean Bags: Designed to withstand daily use, these bean bags offer students a comfortable and flexible seating alternative. They are also a great alternative for neurodiverse kids. 
• Dot Mats: These mats provide a soft and clean surface for various classroom activities.

• Custom Eduflex Square Desks: Three 1500x1500 square desks were customised for Year 1 to allow for group activities and collaborative learning.
• Play and Sensory Furniture: Various play and sensory furniture items, including a Shopping/Theatre Stand, dress-up trolley, and Play Kitchen, were incorporated to enhance interactive and imaginative learning.

The choice of fabric was critical to achieving the desired aesthetic and durability. Combining Rosie Made fabrics and Warwick Key largo in shades like 'Navy,' 'Sky,' 'Atlantic,' 'Marigold,' 'Paprika,' and 'Pumpkin' created a vibrant and cozy atmosphere in the classrooms. Office Line also provided Eduflex Bean Bags in 'Red' and 'Dark Blue' Marine grade vinyl to match the school's colour scheme.

The partnership between Office Line and Victoria Park Christian School resulted in a teaching block seamlessly integrating with the school's commitment to nature-inspired learning. The furniture selected not only met functional requirements but also contributed to a welcoming and nurturing environment. The chosen materials and fabric ensured longevity and ease of maintenance, aligning with the school's vision of providing an outstanding and sustainable educational experience for its students.

Creating Inclusive and Diverse Educational and Working Environments

In today's diverse society, fostering inclusivity and diversity within educational and working environments is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for any organisation. As July is a celebration of NAIDOC Week and Harmony Racial Day, it is the perfect time to explore how we can create inclusive spaces that celebrate and respect the cultural diversity of our communities.

Inclusivity and diversity are key drivers of innovation, creativity, and productivity. By cultivating an environment where individuals from various backgrounds feel valued and respected, educational institutions and workplaces can harness their diverse communities' unique perspectives and talents. This leads to improved collaboration, problem-solving, and overall success.

NAIDOC Week and Harmony Racial Day provide excellent opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the rich cultural heritage of Australia. Engage your educational or working community in activities that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Encourage participation in events such as traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions. Incorporating cultural celebrations into your space demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity.

Designing Inclusive Learning and Working Environments

Designing inclusive learning and working environments is essential for fostering creativity, collaboration, and equal opportunities for all individuals. By considering various design aspects, such as flexible and collaborative furniture solutions, multifunctional spaces, and accessible furniture design, organisations can create environments that accommodate diverse needs and promote inclusivity.

• Flexible and Collaborative Furniture Solutions:

Consider modular Furniture such as mobile desks and chairs that can be easily rearranged to accommodate various group sizes and learning styles. Adjustable-height desks ensure accessibility for individuals with different physical needs, and incorporating ergonomic seating options can enhance comfort and well-being for everybody.

• Multifunctional Spaces:

Create versatile spaces that can adapt to different activities and promote open conversations by incorporating furniture that can be easily reconfigured, such as mobile whiteboards or partitions, ottomans, and modular lounges, promoting flexible room layouts. These adaptable spaces encourage collaboration, active learning, and teamwork.

Furthermore, incorporating customised furniture with fabrics by Aboriginal artists like Rosie Paine and Helena Geiger is a meaningful way to support Australian small businesses. It also sparks conversations and serves as a valuable teaching tool, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.

Have a look at some of our Aboriginal Fabrics projects here 

• Accessible Furniture Design:

Ensure that your furniture choices cater to the needs of all individuals. Consider furniture with built-in accessibility features, such as height-adjustable desks, wheelchair-accessible workstations, and ergonomically designed seating for improved posture and comfort. By addressing accessibility requirements, you promote inclusivity and remove barriers for everyone.

Creating inclusive and diverse educational and working environments requires a holistic approach that extends beyond furniture selection. Embracing cultural celebrations, designing inclusive spaces, and engaging the community are key components of this effort. Collaborating with local Indigenous organisations and cultural centres to develop educational programs and initiatives fosters understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures. Engaging the community through workshops or seminars facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

Encouraging the formation of employee or student-led resource groups focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness is also valuable. These groups can organise events, provide educational resources, and serve as a support system for individuals from different backgrounds.

It is important to celebrate diversity every day, not just during specific occasions such as NAIDOC Week and Harmony Racial Day. Let us commit to nurturing inclusive environments that inspire and empower all individuals to reach their full potential. Together, we can make a difference.

Reducing plastic waste and fostering environmental responsibility

In the modern era of heightened environmental consciousness, sustainable practices have become paramount for businesses in all sectors. At Office Line, we understand our critical role in promoting environmental responsibility, working hard on our sustainable furniture solutions and focusing on reducing plastic waste to contribute to creating eco-friendly educational and office spaces.

The Plastic Waste Crisis

Adopting eco-friendly alternatives is essential for educational institutions and offices to reduce environmental impact and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.

Here are some actionable tips to achieve this:

1. Utilising Recycled Materials:

Incorporating recycled materials into furniture manufacturing is one of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste. Choosing furniture made from recycled plastics and other sustainable resources helps divert waste from landfills while reducing the demand for virgin plastic production.

This action conserves natural resources and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

Some noteworthy products that use recyclable materials include:

2. Durable and Long-lasting Design:

Investing in high-quality, durable furniture may require a higher upfront cost, but it pays off in the long run. Longer-lasting furniture reduces the frequency of replacements, resulting in a reduction in plastic waste generation.

At Office Line, we prioritise creating timeless designs that withstand the test of time, ensuring both economic and environmental benefits for businesses.    A great example is our Space for Me products, backed by over 20 years of        Warranty.

3. Opting for Biodegradable Materials:

We proudly collaborate with suppliers like Sustainable Living Fabrics and Gratnells, who promote the responsible sourcing of fabrics and use compostable bioplastic trays for their Educational Storage Range.

Sustainable furniture solutions encompass eco-friendly packaging as well. Minimising single-use plastics and utilising recycled or biodegradable packaging materials can further reduce the environmental footprint of the furniture supply chain.

At Office Line, we assemble most of our furniture at our Warehouse facility, which means we do not use additional packaging, ensuring it is prepared for delivery most efficiently. Additionally, we collaborate with furniture carriers who employ eco-friendly methods, such as using blankets and furniture rugs to safeguard items during transit, eliminating the need for single-use plastics.

Implementing sustainable furniture solutions allows you to create eco-friendly environments that inspire environmental responsibility among staff, students, and visitors. These spaces are living examples of the organisation's commitment to sustainability, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and consciousness.

Some of the additional benefits of choosing sustainable furniture solutions:

• Cost Savings: While sustainable furniture may have a higher initial cost, the longer lifespan and reduced replacement need lead to cost savings over time.

• Regulatory Compliance: Embracing sustainable practices can help businesses comply with evolving environmental regulations and standards.

• Employee Engagement: Creating a sustainable workspace can boost employee morale and engagement, as employees take pride in working for an environmentally responsible company.

At Office Line, we believe in the power of sustainable furniture solutions to drive positive change. By reducing plastic waste, utilising recycled and biodegradable materials, and embracing eco-friendly practices, we can collectively create educational and office spaces that inspire productivity and nurture a deeper connection to the environment.

Let's work together to build a greener, more sustainable future, one piece of furniture at a time. Join us in our commitment to promoting environmental responsibility and creating a lasting impact on our planet.

The Transformative Power of Standing Desks

The Transformative Power of Standing Desks

In recent years, you've likely heard a great deal about the rise of the standing desks, also known as stand-up desks or sit-stand desks. The growing popularity of this revolutionary piece of furniture prompts many to wonder, "Is a standing desk actually good for you?" and "How long should you stand at a standing desk?" Today, we're addressing these questions and more to uncover the true benefits of integrating a standing desk into your workspace.

Health Benefits of Standing Desks

Standing desks have gained recognition for their numerous health benefits, as acknowledged by chiropractors, corporate health advisors, and experts from various fields. By offering the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing, height-adjustable desks promote movement and help combat the sedentary behaviour commonly associated with traditional office environments.

Utilising an adjustable desk offers a range of health advantages, including:

• Reduced back pain.
• Lowered risk of heart disease.
• Improved mood and energy levels.
• Boosted productivity.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, standing desks offer multiple benefits. Not only can they help regulate blood sugar levels after a meal, but they also have the potential to reduce the risk of shoulder and back pain when compared to sitting. Furthermore, standing desks have garnered praise from individuals with ADHD and some medical professionals who believe that standing can enhance focus and alleviate restlessness.

However, it is important to note that standing all day at a standing desk is not advisable. Excessive standing can lead to discomfort and fatigue. Therefore, the recommended standing desk routine involves regularly switching between sitting and standing. A practical approach is, to begin with 20-30 minutes of standing per hour and adjust the duration as necessary.

Choosing the Right Standing Desk for You

When it comes to setting up a new workspace or revamping your current office, selecting the appropriate standing desk is crucial. We understand that everyone has unique requirements, so we offer various options to suit your needs.

Our range includes manual adjustable desks and electric standing desks, also known as electric sit-stand desks. The latter provides the convenience of effortlessly transitioning between sitting and standing positions at the push of a button.

Our latest addition to our collection is the JoJo Desk. This electric standing desk not only offers height adjustability but also doubles as a whiteboard, adding versatility to your workspace. It comes equipped with a powerful Lithium-Ion battery pack, ensuring smooth height adjustments while featuring a battery indicator and audible alerts to notify you when the battery is running low

With the JoJo Desk, you can bid farewell to tangled power cords. Its cordless, rechargeable battery operation eliminates the need for cumbersome power leads. Additionally, the desk includes an integrated USB port, allowing easy access to charge your devices while keeping them within reach.

If you want to have all the benefits of a sit/stand desk but you already have one you love, consider adding a laptop sit/stand platform. This platform raises your device to a comfortable viewing height, promoting better posture. Alternatively, a vertical laptop stand can save valuable desk space by holding the laptop in a closed, upright position.

Our platform provides a convenient solution to convert your existing workstation into a sit/stand desk by easily adjusting the working height between sitting and standing positions. It helps alleviate lower back pressure, improve posture, and encourage daily movement.

Make an informed decision when selecting the right standing desk for your needs, ensuring a workspace that promotes comfort and productivity.

Standing desks are more than just hype. They present a versatile, health-conscious solution for today's workspaces. At Office Line, we offer various options, from a manual sit-stand desk to an electric cordless standing desk, to cater to all your needs. Start revolutionising your workspace today with Office Line.

Our Projects: St John Bosco College

Office Line was engaged by St John Bosco College for the final step of their latest building project Stage 4C, which was the selection and layouts of furniture for the new administration spaces, common student areas and the innovative learning space. This exciting project was all about creating a collaborative and functional environment that supported all students and staff in their daily activities.

The first step in designing the new spaces was to understand the requirements of both the staff and students. The administration spaces needed to be functional and space efficient with streamlined storage. Additionally, they need to be fun and inviting to stimulate interaction during meetings and to encourage discussions amongst the users of the space.

Employee well-being was one of the most important factors for consideration in this project. The staff room needed to be designed to be a multipurpose space with various seating options and zones for comfort, focus, and collaboration between colleagues.

Finally, the furniture for the student spaces needed to be creative, flexible, and functional. In this project, we prioritised keeping the design cohesive through the different spaces and including colours that promote focus and productivity.

To create a welcoming and professional environment in the administration area, we used the neutral, calming colours of Laminex ‘Calm Oak’ and ‘Polar White’ with accents of greens and blues. The Administration building used glass partitions to create private workspaces while still maintaining a collaborative atmosphere. This allowed natural light to flow through the space and created a sense of transparency and openness. We continued the flow between each office with matching storage and workstations while mixing colours of the Warwick Beachcomber fabric in a complementary palette of Cobalt, Forest, Atlantic, Teal, and Marine.

Our Okidoki Tables were selected for the staffroom in various heights and sizes to create the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Designed and made in Australia, the Okidoki family provides plenty of flexibility in its shapes and finishes, with a sleek rounded design and solid timber legs with contrasting aluminium details. With matching tops in Laminex ‘Milkwood’ that was continued throughout the room, the space felt open and cohesive. Teamed with the soft curving lines and luxurious comfort of the Oval Lounge and its modular configurations, the staff room cast off formalities and became a relaxing space!

FEATURED PRODUCTS

                    

In the student spaces, the focus shifted to creativity and flexibility. These areas included general learning classrooms, study nooks, and breakout spaces for students to interact and relax. To create an engaging and inspiring environment, we used bold blues and greens with a mixture of working heights, seating, and soft furnishings.

We included flexible furniture that could be easily moved and rearranged, such as mobile Eduflex Benches and height-adjustable tables. This allows students to adapt the space to their needs and work together in groups or individually. We also incorporated Adjusta Wobble Stools and ottomans to support modern learning methods and individual preferences.

In the breakout spaces, we created comfortable and inviting areas for students to relax and socialise. This included seating areas with extra-large cushions, foam-filled bean bags, individual laptop tables, and a large group I.AM D-End table designed for collaboration in the inbuilt curved seating. To add a touch of fun and playfulness, we incorporated differently shaped ottomans in various colours.

We loved working on this project with St John Bosco College to support their modern pedagogy by creating fun, engaging, and functional learning environments that support collaboration, teamwork, and individual growth for both students and staff.

We understand that turning your vision into reality can be challenging. That's why we offer a free consultation service. Our experienced designer will visit your location to craft a personalised proposal, and there's no obligation beyond exploring the possibilities of how your space can be transformed into something amazing.

Some more photos to inspire you... 

               

               

What are the benefits of having a good chair?

The right chair can make all the difference in any educational setting or office. It can improve posture, alleviate back pain, and create a comfortable environment conducive to learning and productivity. 

A well-designed chair offers numerous benefits for learning and working spaces, including proper posture support, enhanced comfort and concentration, adaptability, durability, and improved aesthetics. It is crucial to prioritize these factors when selecting chairs for students or employees to create an environment that promotes learning and minimizes health risks.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the perfect chair:

Investing in the right chair not only enhances learning but also positively impacts the overall well-being of students and employees. Inadequate seating can lead to discomfort, decreased productivity, and even long-term health issues. By selecting chairs that prioritize ergonomics and comfort, you contribute to a more focused and motivated environment in both educational and professional settings.

In addition to functionality, the aesthetic appeal of chairs should not be overlooked. A visually pleasing chair can improve the atmosphere of a classroom or office, creating a more welcoming and inspiring space. The ambience generated by well-designed furniture can have a significant impact on students' and employees' attitudes, motivation levels, and overall satisfaction with their environment.

Choosing the right chair is crucial for fostering a positive and productive atmosphere in educational and commercial settings. By focusing on ergonomic design, adjustability, comfort, durability, and safety features, you can create an environment that supports the well-being and success of students and employees alike.