The Challenge
STEMstein Academy, an innovative educational organization focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning, was preparing to launch a new 3,000 sq. ft. facility. As a brand-new space, the project required a complete plan–design–build–furnish solution that would translate STEMstein’s bold brand identity into a physical environment while supporting modern, highly interactive learning styles.
Unlike traditional classroom environments, STEMstein’s programming model required the space to support multiple modes of learning within a single open footprint. Instructor-led teaching, collaborative student work, laboratory experimentation, and staff administration all needed to occur seamlessly throughout the facility. The challenge was to create clearly defined functional zones while preserving open sightlines, strong supervision, and natural light.
Architecturally, the space offered high ceilings, generous daylight, and an open span that encouraged visibility and flow. However, this openness also created a design challenge: the environment needed structure and organization without introducing heavy partitions that would interrupt movement, reduce supervision, or compromise the light-filled atmosphere.
In addition to spatial planning, durability and flexibility were critical. The furniture needed to withstand daily educational use, evolving teaching methods, and high student interaction while remaining adaptable as programs and learning formats change over time.
As a first-time Tayco Client, STEMstein relied on Tayco’s Dealer Partner Sensyst’s expertise to recommend furniture solutions that could deliver long-term performance, ergonomic comfort, and flexible functionality, while also reinforcing the academy’s energetic visual identity and mission to inspire curiosity and discovery.
The Solution
To address STEMstein’s need for flexible learning zones within an open environment, Sensyst used furniture solutions to create structure and organization without introducing physical barriers. The layout was thoughtfully divided into two primary functional zones, educator workspaces and universal student learning areas, allowing the space to support multiple learning modes while maintaining open sightlines and natural light.
Within the private educator offices, workstations were designed to support both focused administrative work and active engagement with students. Cosmo workstations featuring 1” thick Sable Island surfaces and unitized curved desks provide generous work areas for planning, teaching preparation, and collaboration. These workstations are supported by fixed white metal credenza supports, extending the workspace while maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance.
To ensure the offices remained organized and functional, Halifax storage solutions were integrated throughout the space. Halifax cabinet storage units, combination cabinets with integrated closets, and wall-mounted Halifax gallery hutches with sliding doors provide ample storage for teaching materials and equipment while maintaining a refined visual profile. Frost PET tackboards within the Halifax cabinetry introduce both functionality and subtle acoustic benefits, allowing educators to display schedules, learning materials, and project references within easy reach.
In the universal student learning zones, Scene tables with integrated power anchor collaborative work and instructional sessions. Finished in Sable Island laminate with white metal open gable supports, these tables allow students and instructors to easily connect devices for research, experimentation, and group collaboration while preserving the openness of the space. Mobile under-desk pedestals provide accessible storage while allowing the layout to shift as learning activities transition between instructor-led teaching, group collaboration, and hands-on exploration.
Additional elements support flexibility and comfort throughout the facility. Koko laptop tables in white metal allow educators and students to quickly move between focused work and collaborative engagement, while locker units with integrated planter boxes, finished in Sable Island melamine with white McKay handles, introduce practical storage alongside biophilic elements that soften the environment and enhance the learning atmosphere.
Across the 3,000 sq. ft. facility, a consistent palette of Sable Island surfaces paired with crisp white metal detailing reinforces STEMstein’s modern identity while ensuring durability for high-traffic educational use. By integrating Tayco’s Cosmo, Scene, Halifax, and Koko product families, Sensyst created a cohesive environment that transforms an open architectural shell into a structured yet dynamic learning ecosystem, supporting creativity, collaboration, and long-term adaptability.
The Result
The completed STEMstein Academy space is a vibrant, purpose-built learning environment that successfully translates the academy’s bold brand identity into a highly functional educational setting.
Through strategic zoning and cohesive material selection, Sensyst transformed the open architectural footprint into a dynamic learning ecosystem that supports instructor-led teaching, collaborative group work, hands-on experimentation, and focused administrative tasks, all while maintaining clear sightlines and maximizing natural light throughout the space.
Flexible Tayco furniture solutions allow educators and students to easily shift between learning modes, supporting the academy’s evolving programming without requiring structural changes. Durable materials and thoughtfully integrated storage ensure the space remains organized and resilient under the demands of daily educational use.
Today, the environment supports both creativity and structure, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and active engagement while providing staff with the tools they need to guide learning effectively.
Together, Sensyst and Tayco delivered more than a furnished facility, they created a future-ready environment designed to inspire discovery, support modern STEM education, and elevate the STEMstein experience for students and staff alike.
Photo & Video Credit to: Mutual Friends Inc.
