Furniture at Tiedonpuisto School Gets a New Life

A sustainable idea born from everyday observation

When the furniture renewal at Tiedonpuisto school in Raisio, Finland was first being planned, school representatives visited ISKU’s factory and showroom in Lahti, Finland. During the visit, Principal Janne Ahlqvist recognized familiar furniture – the same ISKU chairs and tables that had been used at their school for many years.

Although years of heavy use had left visible wear on the surfaces of the school furniture, the frames were still sturdy and in good condition. This observation sparked an idea: if the foundations of the furniture are this strong, could they be renewed instead of replaced?

Old frames, new parts – a sustainable and cost-efficient solution

In collaboration with the school, the City of Raisio, and ISKU, a plan was developed to renew the furniture by replacing only the most worn parts. The solution quickly proved to be both economically and environmentally sound: more than 1,300 student desks and chairs that had served for years at Vaisaaren School will be refurbished using their existing, still-durable frames.

The project is expected to generate savings of approximately 112,000 euros compared to the cost of purchasing all new furniture. At the same time, the carbon footprint of the furniture will be reduced by about 78%, since significantly fewer materials and less manufacturing are required. Replacing parts locally at Vaisaaren School also reduces transport-related emissions, and the refurbished furniture can be returned to use quickly.

The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026, when Tiedonpuisto School will be opened for use.

Circular economy in practice through partial renewal

The Tiedonpuisto School project supports the City of Raisio’s goal of strengthening circular economy thinking and shifting increasingly towards maintenance and repair services instead of purchasing new products.

“When the frames are of high quality and have lasted years of use, it felt unnecessary to replace them just because of surface wear. In this project, we wanted to explore whether school furniture could be renewed in a smarter way – extending its lifecycle while still ensuring a fresh overall appearance. This project has been a great example of how a school can operate as a practical part of the circular economy. It has also sparked discussion within the school community and given students the opportunity to see how responsible choices are reflected in practice. The process has been an interesting learning experience for all of us involved,” says Janne Ahlqvist, Principal of Tiedonpuisto School.

With the renewal, Tiedonpuisto School will have furniture that stands the test of time while also supporting the city’s goals of building a more sustainable future. Even small changes can create a significant impact – for the environment, the economy, and everyday school life.

Responsible implementation in collaboration with ISKU and Niemi Services

The Tiedonpuisto School furniture project is being carried out through close collaboration: ISKU is responsible for the design and production of the renewed components, while Niemi Services handles the on-site replacement work. The frames are ISKU’s own production, and their durability and precise dimensions made the renewal possible without extra adjustments or material waste.

“I believe the result will look cohesive, and although some of the frames still carry a small trace of time, the renewed and entirely new furniture will blend naturally together after a few years of use. It has been inspiring to see how this kind of practical circular economy solution truly works – it makes sense both economically and environmentally,” Ahlqvist concludes.

The project demonstrates that circular economy is not just an environmental act, but also a natural way to extend the lifecycle of furniture, save resources, and build more sustainable learning environments for the future.