Future-proofed bench system from Kinnarps and Arup

The new Bench F system is the result of collaboration between Kinnarps and Arup, the global firm of designers, engineers and business consultants. As such, Bench F adopts a completely new approach to bench systems, combining unique height-adjustment of individual desks with clean aesthetics and excellent eco-friendly credentials.

A major disadvantage of traditional fixed bench systems is the lack of height adjustment, often forcing people to work long hours at one height of work surface. At the same time, however, the fixed bench concept is ideal for short, collaborative sessions or where people ‘drop in’ to work alongside colleagues. This ‘kitchen table’ concept of gathering around a clean work surface offers a great sense of belonging and inclusion.

Unlike traditional benches, Bench F allows single segments of the bench to be raised and lowered according to user requirements… an advantage for ‘fixed’ individuals to work in a most ergonomic way and for hot desking, where a variety of users will share the same desk during the working week.
The design still allows for the system to function as a clear bench surface when required to, with the underframe set back for clear leg room along its whole length. So for the first time it offers the best of both worlds.

The Bench F concept came about when Arup was looking to refurbish its London headquarters campus. The company invited a number of major, international furniture companies to respond to a brief and demonstrate how they might build on the ideas of the Arup team and adapt their own ranges to meet these new ideas. Following a rigorous selection procedure, Kinnarps was chosen to partner with Arup on the project.

“The collaboration with Kinnarps was based on a brief from Arup for an ergonomic, future proofed, bench system for use in Arup’s offices globally,” explained Arup product designer Rebecca Minnitt. “Aesthetics, practicality and flexibility were considered in equal measure throughout development and the resulting design offers a bench system with clean architectural lines and unparalleled versatility. For the first time Bench F offers office managers the possibility of the neat rows of a benching system with the versatility of a height adjustable desk system; allowing taller or shorter employees to sit comfortably, anywhere in the floor plan,” she added.

Sustainability by design

In order to eliminate reliance on conventional desk framing structures Bench F uses Kinnarps’ revolutionary Dufalite construction idea, which comprises an inner honeycomb layer of recycled cardboard, sandwiched between two outer layers of hardboard. This results in a significantly lighter weight top which is stiff enough not to need under-frame for spans of up to 3m. The light weight makes it flexible to move and more eco-friendly to transport.

Bench F has also been influenced by the need to implement sustainable practices throughout the product life cycle. Use of alternative materials such as Dufalite helps to minimise depletion of material resources and associated environmental impact. It also uses the Kinnarps patented Lamine™ finish, providing a hard wearing yet sustainable alternative to conventional laminate surfaces.

Ultimate flexibility

Using a simple adjustment system the desk top can be adjusted between heights of 620 and 820mm from the floor, creating a bench system that is very responsive to modern business demands such as hot desking.

“Before Bench F was created, responding to Arup’s churn in response to projects etc was difficult and sometimes painful,” recalled Arup’s deputy head of estates management Chris Edwards. “Raising the height of a desk in response to DSE issues was slow and always reliant on the purchase of spare parts – often with a long lead time.

“The sheer simplicity of the Bench F system allows an individual's desk top to move up and down independently of the others, while the cable management system runs the entire length of the bench and is accessed from the top. With the ability to increase the numbers sitting at a run instantly, FMs are now able to respond to the needs of an ever changing workforce. And, on top of all that, it looks good,” he concluded.