Project: The Craig School Wilson Building, 3rd Floor – Middle School Wing, Mountain Lakes, NJ
Size: 4 Classrooms, STEM Science Lab, Guidance Counselor’s Office, 2 Storage Rooms, 3 Bathrooms and 48 Lockers
Mission: TeamPAR was chosen as the Designer to create the new classroom standards for this independent, private school. We programmed the space, designed the color palette and selected, supplied and installed all furnishings to maximize student concentration for a distinctive population of students with various learning challenges.
Business Goals: Modernize the school wing and add details to increase functionality and productivity.
Value Added:
- A complete demolition of the tired space commenced. Uniformity was created in two color palettes (blue and green) with furnishings that could be moved among rooms with various configurations.
- Wood grain laminate case goods were custom designed per room for ample storage and to allow for a clutter-free environment. Mobile storage was implemented with dry-erase doors for dual-functionality.
- Sit-Stand Trapezoid shaped student desks that uniquely connect to create small learning groups were added, accompanied by stationary or rocking desk chairs with sensory appeal to promote focus.
- The classrooms were floored in 60% LVT and 40% carpeting to create learning pods in the room. The carpeted area contains alternative ergonomic, motion-based seating and a clover-shaped communal table that doubles as a charging station with the motivational statement, “You are good enough. Believe it.”
- Acoustical wall covering was employed between classrooms to help reduce noise transference and promote concentration.
- Room darkener window shades were designed and installed on all windows to assist with Smart Board clarity.
Benefits Realized:
The teachers are The Craig School provided positive feedback on all facets of the design of the rooms. Here are a few of the comments provided by The Craig School:
- “What soothing colors.”
- “What practical furniture!”
- “The wallpaper is cool!”
- “The carpet on the wall [I know it is not carpet] works.”
- “I like the floor carpet design.”
- “The lighting is not harsh.”
- “The wood-looking floor should be so easy to clean.”
- “I have enough cabinets in my room to move my wardrobe from home here!”
Testimonial:
Karen,
I am continuing to be “blown away” by how this project turned out. There are so many subtle things, and I am waiting to learn what people say about them. Thank you so much for your team’s work on this project that will help us (so much) fulfill our mission to help our students who have language-based learning differences.
See you soon!
Tad Jacks
Head of School
Sneak Peek into The Craig School
About the author
