Blogs — learning spaces

Our Projects: Creative Arts and Design Centre at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls School

At Office Line, we are proud to have contributed to the new Creative Arts and Design Centre at St. Mary’s Anglican Girls School, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of senior students. This three-storey building stands as a testament to St. Mary’s commitment to the arts, providing an innovative and inspiring environment where students can explore and develop their artistic talents.

The Creative Arts and Design Centre comprises specialised areas, including collaborative spaces, galleries, studios, and a modern media centre. Here, students are encouraged to express themselves and work together across disciplines such as visual arts, ceramics, design, 3D construction, fashion, textiles, and wearable art. Each area has been designed to facilitate hands-on learning and creative collaboration.

To ensure that each space met St. Mary’s educational needs, we provided functional, durable, and adaptable furniture solutions. Aligned with the school’s commitment to sustainability, St. Mary’s decided to repurpose and enhance some existing furniture pieces. Office Line integrated these products seamlessly into the final design, supporting an approach that respects the environment.

Some of the selected products include:

• EN Gas Lift Chairs: Ergonomically designed and crafted with high-quality materials, these black-based chairs are ideal for extended work sessions, offering students both comfort and versatility.
• Height-Adjustable Tables: Fitted with a preset controller and available in white or oak finishes, these tables allow students and teachers to adjust their workspaces as needed, promoting both ergonomics and movement.
• Teacher's Pod: Providing a mobile storage solution and teaching hub in one
• Round Eduflex Ottomans and Floor Cushions with Rosie Paine Aboriginal Prints. 

This new centre will not only host rotating exhibitions of students’ work but will also serve as a hub of inspiration and creativity for the entire St. Mary’s community. Galleries and studios allow students to showcase their artwork, while interactions with guest artists enrich their experiences and offer professional insights.

The sustainable approach of repurposing existing furniture highlights our shared commitment to the environment and social responsibility. This decision not only helps reduce environmental impact but also adds a meaningful dimension to the educational experience, demonstrating to students the importance of sustainable practices.

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: 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... 

               

               

Our Projects: Pendle Hill High School in Sydney

Pendle Hill High School, a co-educational public institution in Western Sydney, serves over 400 students with a commitment to offering an outstanding, engaging learning environment. The school's recent addition, the H Block, proudly showcases office space for staff, a library, and 14 classrooms, all expertly designed to optimize the learning experience while promoting collaboration, creativity, and adaptability.

Office Line collaborated with the design team at Fulton Trotter Architects to deliver comprehensive educational furniture solutions, meeting the specific requirements of the school and its students. Our furniture selections included ergonomic desks, chairs, bookcases, and storage solutions that not only enhanced the functionality of each space but also contributed to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Some of the standout furniture pieces and spaces within the H Block include:

Shared Study Circles

Our Warwick Beachcomber fabric-upholstered Simba Chairs in Cobalt and Marine colours with a sleek black frame provide a stylish and comfortable seating option, while our tables with white writable tops and colour-matched edges create a surface for writing and sketching ideas.

These study circles are ideal for brainstorming and collaborative work, allowing students to share ideas and work together in a dynamic space. 

     

Workshop and Interview/Practice rooms

For the workshops/interview rooms we provide the I.AM table with writable top. Although another supplier provide the chairs, we would combine them with our Retro Chair 5 Star Swivel with Warwick Dolly Ash Fabrics, keeping that elegant and slay aesthetics.  

     

Library

This inviting space features an array of furniture promoting both individual and group study. Prive 3-Seater Lounges with finishes in Warwick Keylargo fabric upholstery create a semi-private seating area, while Spectator 45° Curved Inner High Back Lounge and Sit or Sway Ottomans offer flexible, comfortable seating options. I.AM Folding Tables, Spectator 45° Curved Bookcases & Benches with writable tops & colour matched edges transform the library into a multifunctional space for learning and collaboration. A dedicated quiet study area equipped with ergonomic chairs and individual study cubicles allows for focused work.

     

Seminar Rooms

Featuring I.AM Folding Tables in various sizes and finishes, these rooms can easily be reconfigured to accommodate different learning activities. The writable tops and mobile whiteboards enhance the flexibility and adaptability of these seminar rooms.

The result of our collaboration is a stunning and functional new block that has become the pride of Pendle Hill High School. The furniture we provided not only creates a comfortable and functional learning environment but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.

At Office Line, we take pride in providing our clients with the best possible solutions to meet their needs. We are delighted to have been a part of the Pendle Hill High School project and look forward to continuing to provide innovative and high-quality educational furniture solutions to schools, universities, offices, and councils across Australia.

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/