Project - The Ponds High School


Client  The Ponds High School

Location The Ponds, NSW

Supplier Astra Street Furniture

Installer Supply 

Date November 2023

Products

About The Ponds High School

The Ponds High School, nestled in the suburb of The Ponds in north-west Sydney, offers a vibrant and comprehensive education for students from Year 7 through Year 12. As one of the large public schools in NSW, the school's facilities and programs have seen continuous improvement and expansion to cater to the growing community and evolving educational demands.

The Requirement

To select and supply strategically placed seating, waste bins, and planter boxes to boost outdoor utility and aesthetics for a growing student body.

The Challenges

  • Durability: It's important to choose furniture made from materials that can endure various weather conditions and frequent use. This not only ensures the furniture remains functional and attractive over time but also offers cost-effectiveness by minimising the need for replacements.
  • Safety and Accessibility: Furniture should be designed with everyone in mind, ensuring it is safe and accessible, particularly for those with disabilities. Features like rounded corners, stable bases, and appropriate heights can prevent accidents and make spaces welcoming for all users.
  • Aesthetic Integration: The look of the furniture can significantly impact the overall ambiance of the school. Selecting pieces that harmonise with the school's existing architecture and landscape design contributes to a cohesive and appealing environment.
  • Adaptability: The needs of a school can evolve, so choosing furniture that can easily adapt to different requirements or layouts is wise. This flexibility supports dynamic learning environments and maximises the utility of outdoor areas.
  • Sustainability: Opting for eco-friendly furniture choices reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. This can include selecting items made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced woods.

The Solution

After evaluating the challenges and  requirements, The Ponds High School selected a few key products, including the Barcelona Planter, Liverpool 4-Sided Square Setting, Woodville 1500mm Seat, Woodville 270 Degree Angled Bench and Athens Bin Enclosure.

The Barcelona Planter offers the following features:

  • Customisable Options: Understanding that each space is unique, we offer the Barcelona Planters in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Whether you prefer the natural elegance of hardwood or the durability of aluminium, you can tailor these planters to meet the specific aesthetic and practical needs of your setting.
  • Durability and Maintenance: Our planters are crafted from materials that stand the test of time and weather, all while being easy to maintain. This means more beauty and less hassle for you, making these planters a wise choice for any outdoor or indoor area.
  • Flexible Installation: Whether you’re looking to anchor your planters for added security or need the ability to adjust their placement on uneven surfaces, our planters come equipped with solutions. With options for bolting down or using adjustable feet, you can ensure your planters stay precisely where you want them, offering peace of mind and versatility.

The Liverpool 4-Sided Square Setting offers the following features:

  • Australian-Made Quality: This setting is fully designed, manufactured, and assembled in Australia, supporting local industry while ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
  • Marine-Grade Materials: The frame is crafted from marine-grade aluminium, with all fasteners made of stainless steel, ideal for environments close to the beach or where corrosion is a concern.
  • Easy Assembly and Maintenance: Its modular construction allows for straightforward on-site assembly, requiring just a few bolts to secure the tops to the base frame. The variety of slat options, including Merbau hardwood and maintenance-free materials, offers versatility and ease of care.
  • Customisable Features: The setting includes optional umbrella holes to accommodate premium shade umbrellas, enhancing comfort on sunny days. It's also available in various configurations, including large rectangular and two-sided settings, with wheelchair access options for inclusivity.

The Woodville 1500mm Seat offers the following features:

  • High-Quality Construction: Embodying the high quality seen across Astra's range, the Woodville Seat features a modular design for easy assembly post-delivery.
  • Durable Materials: With a strong steel frame that is zinc-plated for rust protection and finished with a premium Anatek dark grey powder coat, the seat is built to last.
  • Versatile Mounting Options: The leg frame is available in both bolt-down style for surface mounting and in-ground style for embedding in landscape areas.
  • Customisable Lengths and Materials: Slats are available in two standard lengths (1500 and 1800 millimetres) and various slat options.

The Woodville 270 Degree Angled Bench offers the following features:

  • Versatile Design: Available in a range of angled options including 90-degree, 45-degree, 180-degree semi-circle, 360-degree full circle, and zigzag configurations. These varied angles allow for the creation of unique seating layouts that can enhance circular or semi-circular outdoor eating, learning environments, or any space requiring adaptable seating solutions.
  • Durable Construction: The benches feature a strong steel frame that is zinc-plated for rust protection, which ensures long-term durability and resistance to the elements, making the benches a reliable choice for any setting.
  • Customisable Options: Standard slat options include Merbau Hardwood and Enviroslat Walnut, with the ability to customise angles or overall sizes for specific layout needs. This allows for perfect integration into your space, matching both aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.
  • Easy Assembly and Maintenance: Modular in construction, the Woodville Angled Benches are designed for easy assembly upon delivery, offering straightforward setup and minimal maintenance.
  • Installation Flexibility: The benches are available in both bolt-down and in-ground options, providing stability and security in various installation contexts.

The  Athens Bin Enclosure offers the following features:

  • High-Quality Design and Materials: Combining an Australian-made, modular design with durable powder-coating for a stylish, long-lasting solution.
  • Customisable Waste Segregation: Features colour-coded inserts for recycling, waste, and paper, supported by a curved cover top, facilitating effective and easy waste management.
  • Durable and Secure Construction: Outfitted with heavy-duty stainless steel hinges and a secure cam lock system, ensuring resilience against frequent openings and enhanced security.
  • Efficient and Aesthetic Space Use: Its design allows for a snug fit around standard wheelie bins and can be placed side by side without protrusion, creating a neat and visually appealing waste station.

What the client said

The new outdoor furniture presents an inviting  entrance for visitors to our school and has provided our senior students with a aesthetically pleasing area to use in breaks and for study in free periods. Area safe were very professional and communicated well with us during the project, even with the added factor of other contractors installing synthetic turf at the same time.