Papanui High School

Papanui High School in Christchurch, New Zealand, has transformed its educational environment by collaborating with Furnware to create modern, purpose-built classroom blocks that enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Established in 1936, Papanui High School has grown into one of Christchurch’s largest co-educational secondary schools, with over 1,600 students and 180 staff. The school prides itself on delivering inclusive and encompassing education, offering a range of opportunities to help students uncover their passions and potential.

When it came time to replace condemned buildings on campus, the school saw an opportunity to create innovative, inspiring classroom spaces that reflect their vision. Soon came the Tuke Block and Pārua Block – two modern, purpose-built blocks designed to elevate teaching and learning.

Over two years, Furnware Learning Design Specialist, Ian Johnstone, worked closely with Papanui High School Executive Officer, Gaye Parlane, to bring the project to life. Collaborating with department heads, Ian gained insight into their teaching approaches and needs. Together, they curated a wish list of classroom furniture and transformed it into a detailed 3D render, helping the school to visualise the final result.

Each block was brought to life with its own distinct personality. The Tuke Block, dedicated to science and maths, featured vibrant orange accents, while the Pārua Block which provides a mixture of general learning spaces and specialised rooms for the Kimi Ora Department, showcased blue tones. Utilising the 3D render, Ian was able to show how the colours could be incorporated into the furniture to match the blocks’ personality.

In terms of furniture, the school opted for a variety of flexible tables and desks, including Rectangle Tables, Round Tables, Freeville Tables, Switch 1, Switch Mini, and Alpha Desks. To match the existing colour palette of each block, Ian introduced pops of colour into the tabletops with blue, orange, and whiteboard finishes.

Papanui High School is among the first to introduce our new Bodyfurn.Flex chairs, the latest innovation in the Bodyfurn range. With an enhanced focus on dynamic movement, modern designs, and an array of new colours, our new Bodyfurn.Flex chairs are popular amongst senior students and adults. The school chose Forest Green to pair with Affinity Maple and Storm coloured desks.

The new spaces have been transformative for Papanui High School. Reflecting on the collaboration, Gaye said, “We could never have achieved the ‘wow factor’ without input from Ian who guided our staff on colours and sizes of desks.” By combining thoughtful classroom furniture choices with bold colours and flexible layouts, the new school blocks not only create an environment where students feel comfortable, focused, and inspired to learn, but also support diverse teaching styles.