When designing classrooms and educational spaces, inspiring environments needs to meet cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
As architects and designers, how can you create schools that are easy to maintain, cost-effective, and built to last?
One of the critical challenges in educational design is balancing initial costs with long-term savings. The choice of materials and products directly impacts maintenance costs, durability, and ease of upkeep. With the increasing focus on sustainability and the circular economy, integrating sustainable materials like Critical. Cleanstone is also a smart financial decision.
And this was one of the reasons why a few weeks back at the Melbourne Green Design Show I was really excited to interview Sasha Titchkosky, founder of Koskela about their beautiful school chair. Its elegant style is reminiscent of the iconic classroom chair! The coming together of beautifully folded steel legs paired with our Clear Cleanstone - made from 100% recycled soft plastics and packaging.
I love how it's formed to shape as well as it's translucent properties! Ātaahua!!
Imagine a school where maintenance is a breeze, costs are kept in check, and the design remains as fresh and functional as the day it was completed. By carefully selecting the right materials and systems, you can achieve this balance and create spaces and products that stand the test of time.
Here are three simple ways you can make your next educational design project more sustainable and cost effective:
Choose Durable, Low-Maintenance Products and Materials: Select sustainable materials that offer both durability and ease of upkeep, such as recycled plastic panels. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact but also lower long-term maintenance costs, ensuring the school remains functional and attractive for longer.
Plan for Future Flexibility: Design with adaptability in mind. Modular and flexible designs allow spaces to be easily reconfigured as needs change, reducing the need for costly renovations and aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
Partner with Values Aligned Suppliers: Like Koskela and REVERT GROUP where design meets durability and circularity.
Integrating sustainable materials and thoughtful design strategies can lead to significant long-term savings in your next school design.
Shoutout to our partner Paul Rosenberg Vella from REVERT GROUP whose incredible 'Pathways' program enables Critical. to achieve circularity in Australia.
I run a green materials company called Critical. and we help designers and brands create beautiful products and spaces using 100% recycled plastic panels called Cleanstone. If your working on a product range or a fit out send me a DM or reach out on:
Criticaldesign.nz
#SustainableDesign #CircularEconomy #EducationDesign #FitOut #RecycledMaterials #Architecture #InteriorDesign #GreenBuilding #CostEffectiveDesign #SchoolDesign