AN EDUCATION IN ECO-FRIENDLY

Utilising environmentally friendly materials, this dynamic furniture suite got taken to school.

Outfitting eight brand new schools across Victoria, street and park furniture and urban design company Furphy Foundry have gained top marks with a furniture suite that makes use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.

Working with construction company ADCO, Furphy has designed, manufactured and installed the Flinders picnic setting and Precinct bench for inclusion in a number of new-build schools. Part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to opening 100 new schools across the state between 2019 and 2026, the school building boom includes flexible learning classrooms, safe and open play areas, and inclusive designs with modern facilities.

In keeping with the ethos of the school building blitz, Furphy’s furniture range was designed and manufactured with inclusivity and sustainability in mind. Utilising a robust design for high-traffic environments, the Flinders picnic settings offer students a sturdy place to gather and eat together. Made from wood-plastic composite (WPC) over a powdercoated, hot-dipped galvanised steel frame, the settings are 100 percent Australian made and built to handle long-term use in harsh climates. Environmentally friendly, highly durable and versatile, WPC is most typically manufactured from a 50/50 blend of wood products and plastics. It will not corrode and is highly resistant to rot or decay.

Like the Flinders range, the Precinct bench is a versatile and durable product made of 100 percent recycled plastic benchtops utilising high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A sustainable material manufactured from recycled plastic and waste product from industrial sources that can be recycled again and again, HDPE is low maintenance and ideal for creating varying shapes and configurations, with the added benefit of being extremely resistant to mould, bacteria, mildew and insects, and has a service life expected to surpass that of timber. Bringing a little pizazz to the schoolyard, the Precinct suites were installed in a variety of vibrant colours across selected schools and laid out in an array of configurations to encourage gathering and provide plenty of seating; zigging and zagging across the schools like bright jewels dotting earthy landscapes.

Offering a host of benefits, these low-maintenance, long-life assets have proven a cost-effective and functional inclusion across Victorian schools.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client USBA & ADCO
Location Victoria
Supply & Install Furphy Foundry/Landmark Products

COMPANY
Furphy Foundry