Reimagining Learning Environments: Before and After

A modern classroom is more than tables and chairs — it’s a tool for learning. Yet, too often, educational spaces are designed around convenience, not cognition. What happens when we flip that approach? Here’s how five essential zones in a school can go from functional to transformational, backed by data, best practices, and design thinking.

1. The Traditional Classroom → The Responsive Learning Zone

Before: Rows of static desks, minimal movement, one-size-fits-all seating.
The Problem: According to the World Health Organisation, 60% of teens experience chronic back pain before age 18. Rigid furniture can also reduce concentration by up to 20% after just 30 minutes of poor posture (Cornell University).
After: Adjustable chairs, collaborative tables, and mobile storage. A flexible space that adapts to group work, solo focus, or tech-integrated lessons.

Best Practice Insight: Furniture with adjustable heights and ergonomic back support can improve academic engagement and reduce fatigue.

We recommend:

2. The Hallway Nook → The Learning Extension

Before: Underused transitional areas with foot traffic and little function.
The Problem: Students need quiet zones and soft spaces between high-focus lessons — especially neurodivergent learners.
After: Add curved ottomans, acoustic screens, and writable walls. These spaces can become powerful breakout or decompression zones.

Design Tip: Soft furnishings with noise-reducing properties enhance inclusion for neurodiverse students and encourage calm, reflective learning.

We recommend:

3. The Teacher’s Desk → The Agile Teaching Hub

Before: A fixed desk at the front of the room.
The Problem: Teachers are anchored in place, limiting classroom flow.
After: Use mobile podiums, integrated tech trolleys, and perimeter seating. Teachers gain flexibility to move, observe, and connect.

Evidence-Based Approach: Active teaching correlates with increased student performance and reduced classroom behavioural incidents.

We recommend:

4. The Breakout Space → The Innovation Lab

Before: A corner with mismatched furniture and no purpose.
The Problem: STEM and project-based learning demand dedicated, modular environments.
After: Mobile benches, writable tabletops, and height-adjustable seating create a space for experimentation, coding, and hands-on learning.

Tip: According to the OECD, classrooms designed for collaboration and exploration improve problem-solving by up to 30%.

We recommend:

5. The Library → The Curated Curiosity Hub

Before: Static shelves, traditional desks, and a "quiet-only" rule.
The Problem: Libraries are no longer just about books — they’re creative, multi-modal spaces.
After: Incorporate lounge seating, small-group zones, and power-integrated tables for laptops and tablets.

Student-Centred Learning: Comfortable, tech-integrated library spaces support both independent learning and digital literacy.

We recommend:

Our Projects: St. Stephen's Duncraig | New Science Building

Office Line is proud to have been part of creating an amazing new science building at St Stephen’s School in Duncraig, Western Australia. The school's newly renovated science building stands as a testament to the power of design and functionality in inspiring students and educators alike. By partnering with St Stephen’s School, we were able to deliver innovative furniture solutions that perfectly complement the building’s modern aesthetic and support the school’s educational goals.

St Stephen’s School embarked on an ambitious project to transform its science facilities, creating a space that would foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The new science building, a remarkable 2000m² facility, houses eight dedicated laboratories, each with a unique theme catering to various scientific disciplines. The building also boasts a spacious forum area, ideal for presentations and group work.

Tailored Furniture Solutions

To equip these state-of-the-art laboratories, Office Line provided a combination of EN Stools, science benches and storage solutions. These furniture pieces were carefully selected to meet the specific needs of the science curriculum, ensuring optimal functionality and durability.

• EN Stools: Designed with ergonomics in mind, the EN stools offer students and teachers comfort and support during extended laboratory sessions. Their adjustable height and durable construction make them suitable for various tasks, from conducting experiments to engaging in group discussions.

• Science Benches: The science benches provide a sturdy and versatile workspace for students to conduct experiments and explore scientific concepts. Their design incorporates features such as integrated storage and electrical outlets, enhancing efficiency and organization within the laboratory.

Transforming Learning Experiences

The integration of Office Line furniture has had a profound impact on the learning experience at St Stephen’s School. The EN stools and science benches have facilitated hands-on experimentation, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Furthermore, the furniture’s design promotes collaboration and teamwork, as students are able to work together comfortably and efficiently. The flexibility of the furniture allows for various classroom configurations, enabling teachers to adapt to different teaching styles and learning needs.

By working closely with the school’s staff and the architect leading the project, Office Line was able to understand their specific requirements and deliver furniture solutions that exceeded expectations. This collaborative approach ensured that the furniture seamlessly integrated into the building’s design and supported the school’s educational goals.

We are proud to have played a role in creating such an exceptional learning environment at St Stephen’s School. The new science building is a shining example of how thoughtfully designed furniture can enhance the educational experience.

For more details of this project visit: A new space inspiring minds in St. Stephen's Website. 

Our Projects: St. Kieran Catholic Primary School

In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, creating classrooms that cater to diverse learning styles and foster a love of learning is paramount. At Office Line, we believe that thoughtfully designed furniture plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. This case study delves into the design and furnishing of a classroom at St. Kieran Primary School, showcasing how we collaborated with the school to create a space that prioritises flexibility, functionality, and aesthetics.

St. Kieran Primary School approached us with a vision for a classroom that could adapt to various learning activities, encourage collaboration, and spark student creativity. Their existing classroom furniture was not able to adapt to the new learning activities and needed a renovation. We understood the need to create a space that catered to the individual needs of students while also fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Enhancing Flexibility:

• Adaptable Seating: We introduced a range of seating options to accommodate different learning styles and activities. The EN One chair, a perennial favorite, provides ergonomic support for developing backs and can be easily stacked for quick classroom reconfiguration. Additionally, the inclusion of Adjusta Stools with their rotating bases encourages active sitting, promoting increased focus and improved blood flow. This combination allows students to choose between traditional seated learning and a more dynamic approach, fostering ownership of their learning experience.

• Mobile Tables: Understanding the importance of collaborative learning, we incorporated Eduflex Classic Flip Tables. Built with sturdy materials and equipped with wheels, these tables empower students to arrange the classroom layout to suit their needs. Whether working in groups on projects or gathered for discussions, these flexible tables allow for a dynamic learning environment.

Encouraging Functionality:

• Play & Store Units: Gone are the days of bulky, static desks. We included Play & Store units, innovative storage solutions that double as comfortable tables. This ingenious design maximises space utilization, fostering organization and reducing clutter. Students can store their personal belongings within the units while enjoying a convenient workspace for individual tasks.

• Writable Tables: Recognizing the importance of fostering creativity, particularly in the early learning stages, we included a set of writable tables. These tables allow students to express themselves freely through drawing and visual thinking, directly engaging with their ideas and fostering a love for exploration. This hands-on approach promotes early learning development and sparks their imagination.

    

Creating a Stimulating Aesthetic:

A classroom environment should be visually engaging and contribute to a positive learning experience. We collaborated with St. Kieran Primary School to develop a vibrant color scheme incorporating green, blue, and red. These colors are known to promote positive emotions, spark creativity, and enhance focus. Studies have shown that a well-designed classroom with a stimulating aesthetic can lead to increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes.

The transformed classroom at St. Kieran Primary School exemplifies how thoughtful furniture choices can significantly impact the learning environment. The flexible seating and movable tables empower students to take ownership of their learning space and foster collaboration. The functional storage solutions promote organization and maximize space utilization. Finally, the stimulating aesthetic creates a fun and playful environment that ignites a love for learning.

Our collaboration with St. Kieran Primary School demonstrates our commitment to creating innovative and functional learning spaces. We believe that every child deserves a classroom that inspires them to learn and grow. We are dedicated to working with educators to translate their vision into reality, fostering a love of learning for students of all ages.

Our Projects: The King's College

The Lighthouse Studio at The King’s College was part of their inclusive education upgrade. It was designed to create a safe space for students to be able to retreat and seek assistance without any stigma.

With an understanding of our client's needs, we were able to produce a great result. Our project design lead, Amanda, worked closely with the school team and presented them with layouts and 3D renders so they could visualize how their ideas would look in reality.

We enjoyed transforming this classroom into an educational space that students can feel comfortable and safe in. We know that the right furniture selection and finishes can assist in making a difference in a students' education experience.

At Office Line, we strive to only use furniture and materials made here in Australia. We want every student to have the best possible experience while they're at school, and we believe that starts with the spaces they spend their time in every day. 

Office Line is proud to be part of inclusive projects like this, where the spaces which we help to create, allow students to find their inner greatness.

If you have a space that needs enhancing, give us a call 1800 333 116 or email us info@officeline.com.au

Our experts are ready to assist you on the journey. 

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... 

               

               

The Importance of Specialised Furniture for Neurodiverse Kids

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variation in the human brain. It recognizes that people's brains are wired differently, and that this is not a defect, but rather a normal variation in the human experience. Neurodiversity can include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette's syndrome, among others.

Why is Specialised Furniture Important for Neurodiverse Kids?

Neurodiverse kids have different sensory needs and sensitivities than their neurotypical peers. They may be hypersensitive to certain textures or sounds, or they may crave certain types of sensory input. Furniture that is designed with these needs in mind can help them feel more comfortable and supported in their living spaces.

For example, some students may benefit from furniture that provides deep pressure, such as beanbag chairs or weighted blankets. Others may need furniture that is designed to minimize sensory input, such as soundproofing or blackout curtains.

This specialised furniture can also be designed to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which is important for kids who may be more active or rough with their furniture. Safety also needs to be especially considered and include features such as rounded edges or non-slip surfaces to protect the students.

The importance of Proprioceptive

Proprioception, our "sixth sense," is the sensory system that helps us understand our body's position and movement in space. It relies on receptors in our muscles, tendons, and joints that send signals to the brain about our body's position, movement, and the amount of force exerted.

In daily life, proprioception enables us to walk, reach for objects, and maintain balance without constantly looking at our limbs. It also helps us adjust the force and coordination of our movements based on the feedback received from the proprioceptive system.

For kids with sensory processing difficulties or neurodiverse conditions, the proprioceptive system may not function optimally, leading to challenges with motor skills, coordination, and body awareness.Incorporating proprioceptive elements in furniture and learning spaces can make a significant difference for the students.

Here are some examples of amazing furniture pieces perfect for developing inclusive learning spaces:   

1. Sensory Chairs:Sensory chairs are designed to provide deep pressure and proprioceptive input, which can help regulate the nervous system and improve focus. These chairs often have a wide base for stability and are filled with foam or other materials that provide firm support.

2. Soundproofing Panels:Soundproofing panels can be placed on walls or ceilings to help reduce noise levels in a room. This can be helpful for neurodiverse kids who may be hypersensitive to sound.

3. Wobble Chairs:Wobble chairs are designed to allow for movement while sitting, which can help improve focus and concentration. These chairs often have a rounded base that allows them to tilt and rock without tipping over.

4. Rocking Chairs:Rocking chairs can provide a calming and rhythmic motion that can help regulate the nervous system. They can be used for relaxation or to improve focus and concentration.

5. Tactile Mats:Tactile mats are mats with different textures and materials for kids to explore and touch. They can be used for sensory play and exploration and can help improve tactile awareness and sensitivity.

Tailored furniture for neurodiverse children can significantly impact their day-to-day experiences. By offering furniture designed specifically for their distinct needs, these kids can enjoy greater comfort and support in their living environments.

Let us help you create the perfect space for them!

For more information about neurodiversity and how you can get involved, visit: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/