Furnware's initial research for a new desk and chair was world wide, reviewing
the literature and connecting with people internationally and locally who are
active in the field.

We then embarked on ambitious research of our own in New Zealand. Over three years we have met with core groups of teachers, principals, property managers, executive officers, architects, pupils and parents. We have engaged top designers, engineers and industrial chemists, and liaised with leading ergonomists.

Independent findings by Massey University's Prof Stephen Legg found 96% of students to be seated in inappropriate furniture.

We have measured 17,000 students, recording their heights, weights, year level, age, ethnicity and gender. This is a world first. It is also ongoing.

Central to this research has been a series of specific observations followed by concept and product trials in a large number of classrooms and schools.

The result is BODYFURN® - a whole new system of classroom furniture based on the real needs of students and teachers. It is physically dynamic, organisationally flexible.   For the first time there is comfort for students, resulting in improved concentration, less fidgeting, better learning, and less stress for teachers.

The System
Furnware's research supports international findings that there should be at least two heights of desk and chair in a classroom for the different sizes of student.

We know it works. It has been trialled it in the classrooms of the greatest skeptics! The predicted social issues did not happen. Instead, social benefits emerged which were completely unexpected. And classroom organization was made easier rather than more difficult - yet another surprise!

But how does the school know which heights to use, and how many of each? That was once a tricky question, but now the answer is simple...

Furnware's huge database of heights, weights, ethnicities, year levels, ages and gender has been converted into formulae that apply to any classroom in New Zealand. We know the ethnic mix of every school, and can provide appropriate solutions in minutes.

But it doesn't stop there!
We also show the teachers how to guide their students into the best fit furniture using a simple colour code. After being shown just once the students, even the little ones - do it themselves. We expect in time this generation, and future generations, will take this knowledge into their homes and workplaces.

It is so easy, it's incredible it hasn't happened before!

And the outcomes...
• less fidgeting
• less back pain
• greater comfort
• quieter classrooms
• more focused students
• less stressed teachers
• better learning
• healthier, better educated people

Caring for the Environment
With its manufacturing base in New Zealand's beautiful Hawke's Bay Furnware is anxious to protect and enhance the environment, so the new range of products is made to minimize impact on the surroundings. BODYFURN® items come in colours researched and proven to assist learning, with specially formulated nylon tips that reduce noise whilst protecting classroom floors and other surfaces.

The furniture can be dismantled at the end of its working life (estimated 15 years) and is 90% recycleable.

In response to problems schools have with existing furniture Furnware has developed its own highly effective cleaner. This biodegradable fluid comes in convenient, easy to use spray bottles which avoid ozone-depleting propellants.

A protective oil is also available to preserve surfaces and prolong the life of the furniture. We find with these products accessible the students gladly take responsibility for care and maintenance of furniture, reducing the workload of the teachers and caretaker.