Modular furniture creates inclusive environment
The School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) is the central hub for K-12 distance education and online learning in Western Australia.
As part of the Department of Education, SIDE serves students who, due to various circumstances, are unable to attend traditional school settings. The school plays a vital role in providing quality education to students who face geographical, medical, or other challenges that prevent them from participating in regular classroom environments.
The challenge
SIDE’s reception area was in need of an update. The existing furniture was outdated, and the school wanted to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for both students and parents. Given that many of SIDE’s students face unique challenges, the space needed to be both inclusive and approachable, allowing children and families to engage in discussions around education in a relaxed setting. The school specifically wanted low-level ottoman seating to help create a more informal, less intimidating atmosphere.
The solution
Kulbardi, an Indigenous-owned workplace supplier, collaborated with Buro to provide seating solutions that would meet the school’s needs while incorporating a unique cultural element. The Konfurb Eightby4 seating and Konfurb Halo ottomans were chosen for their versatility, as they could be easily rearranged to create individual seating spaces for children, parents, and staff. This modular seating arrangement was ideal for fostering conversation without creating an overwhelming environment for younger students.
The Principal of SIDE also expressed a desire for the seating to reflect Indigenous culture, bringing an Aboriginal aesthetic to the space. The Six Seasons fabric range, designed by local Western Australian artist Kevin Bynder, was selected to upholster the soft seating. This fabric tells the story of the six seasons observed by Indigenous people in the area, adding a meaningful connection to the local heritage. Each purchase of the Six Seasons fabric supports both the artist and the Bibbulum Fund, which invests in community projects aimed at empowering Indigenous communities across Australia.
Outcome
The updated reception area now features a Konfurb Block Seat*, 3 Konfurb Halo Ottomans*, and 10 Konfurb Eightby4 pieces*. The vibrant Six Seasons upholstery adds a cultural richness to the space, and the low-level seating ensures that students and their families can engage comfortably with staff. The modular nature of the furniture allows for flexibility in the layout, providing the ability to easily adjust the seating arrangements based on the needs of those using the space.
This project reflects SIDE’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment while also acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous culture. The school now has a reception area that not only serves a functional purpose but also tells a story and contributes to the local community.
*Available in Australia only.
“Buro and I have been collaborating with our friends at Kulbardi on their Six Seasons Indigenous fabric project for several years now. From the start, we always thought it would develop into a great success story, and those thoughts have proven to be 100% correct. Last week it was a pleasure to finally catch up with the Six Seasons artist, Kevin Bynder. We were both at the School of Isolated and Distance Education in Leederville, just north of Perth WA. Kevin has been commissioned by SIDE to create art pieces for their public rooms, and I was there to ensure our latest delivery went without a hitch.”
Clive Mathieu, Buro’s Account Manager for WA
Add vibrancy and meaning to your next interior design project*.
Check out the Six Seasons seating range brochure, featuring six unique fabrics, each representing a season, designed by local Western Australian artist Kevin Bynder. Select from a specially curated collection of Buro furniture, including soft seating, ergonomic chairs, and visitor seating, all available for upholstery with these exclusive fabrics. Each purchase of the Six Seasons fabric supports both the artist and the Bibbulum Fund, which invests in community projects aimed at empowering Indigenous communities across Australia.
*Available in Australia only.
