Canford School Sixth Form - Wimborne

Canford School, one of the leading independent schools in the UK, sought to revitalise the office and recreational spaces within its 6th Form section. Working alongside BT Office, we were selected to create a modern, functional, and inspiring environment that would serve as effective workspaces for staff, comfortable lodges for students, and collaborative areas that would encourage teamwork. The project sought to incorporate ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing furniture solutions that align with the school’s values of academic excellence and tradition, while also addressing the evolving needs of a dynamic educational institution.

terry banquette seating round with tree planter

The Meet Up

Our Sales Manager, Lyndsey Light, worked with BT Office to better understand Canford School’s requirements, which included refitting the following:

Staff Offices: Individual and shared office spaces for teaching staff and administration, featuring ergonomic desks, chairs, and efficient storage solutions.
Open Study Areas: Flexible, modular furniture arrangements that facilitate both individual study and group work.
Common Room & Breakout Spaces: Comfortable and collaborative seating areas designed to foster informal student-staff interaction and relaxation.
Meeting Rooms: Dedicated spaces for staff and students to meet, featuring conference tables, multimedia equipment, and comfortable seating arrangements.
Reception Area: A well-designed reception space that makes a positive first impression on visitors, staff, and students.

Terry circular banquette seating with tree planter in the middle

Key Project Objectives and Challenges

The fit-out covered a variety of spaces within the Canford School 6th Form area, including open study areas and breakout spaces. The main project objectives included creating a professional, inviting atmosphere, to enhance functionality, provide comfort and ergonomics and blend tradition and innovation. All whilst keeping sustainability at the forefront of everything.

Challenges encountered during the office furniture fit-out included optimising space and balancing modern design with traditional aesthetics. With a mix of open-plan and individual spaces, careful planning was required to ensure the available areas were used effectively without compromising functionality or comfort. The 6th Form spaces had to align with Canford School’s historic charm, while also introducing contemporary furniture solutions that suited modern educational needs. Finally, the project had to be completed within a short timeframe to minimise disruption to daily school activities, particularly in an academic environment.

To address the identified challenges, BT Office adopted a comprehensive, detailed approach. A combination of bespoke and modular furniture was selected. Modular and flexible designs enabled reconfiguration, ensuring the spaces could evolve to meet future needs. Comfortable seating and collaborative workspaces were designed to foster student engagement and teamwork. Lastly, blending modern furniture with traditional design elements ensured the fit-out complemented Canford School's heritage.

View Terry Banquette Seating

Final Thoughts

The office furniture fit-out at Canford School 6th Form was a success, delivering a modern, efficient, and inspiring environment. Flexible, open study areas and breakout spaces encouraged collaboration among students, while modular furniture enabled easy reconfiguration to accommodate various group sizes and activities.

The new furniture harmonised with the school’s traditional architecture, preserving the integrity of the building while bringing in modern design elements that reflect the 6th Form’s academic focus and forward-thinking approach.

The use of sustainable materials and environmentally conscious designs reinforced the school’s commitment to sustainability, contributing to a greener campus and a positive environmental impact.

The end result is a set of workspaces that foster productivity, collaboration, and a positive learning environment, while aligning with Canford School’s core values of excellence and sustainability.

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