James Cook University's (JCU) Yeinie Building is a four-storey medical training facility in Cairns completed in October 2025.Â
Designed by KIRK Architects, the building brings teaching, clinical training, and research together in one location. Located next to Cairns Hospital, it gives students direct access to real-world healthcare environments.
James Cook University needed seating for a brand-new building that would:
- Withstand high daily use in classrooms and training spaces
- Be cost-effective and locally supplied
- Look consistent and function across multiple learning spaces
- Be easy to maintain long-term
A key requirement was a single seating range with interchangeable parts for easy maintenance. Local supply was also essential to reduce wait times for replacements and avoid delays in servicing.
Our reseller, Newart Commercial Furniture supplied a range of seating for the project. Swivel and 4-leg chairs were used at student tables (six per table), while drafting chairs were used at higher learning tables and by teaching staff to provide height and visibility.
100 Konfurb Keen Architectural chairs
The Konfurb Keen Architectural chairs feature a stylish moulded polypropylene perforated back for comfort and an architectural gas lift and foot ring, providing additional height, making them ideal for standing desks or high benches. The yellow finish of these chairs serves as a vibrant focal point within the building's interior. Â
120 Konfurb Keen Swivel chairs
The Konfurb Keen Swivel chairs offer the same ergonomic design as the architectural version, with with a lower swivel base, perfect for regular table and desk heights in a dynamic learning environment.Â
200 Konfurb Keen 4 Leg chairs with castors
The Konfurb Keen 4 Leg chairs are a versatile stacking chair, providing stability and comfort, suitable for various settings within the building.Â
Why the Konfurb Keen chair suits education spaces
- The broad range provides one cohesive chair across all learning spaces
- The Konfurb Keen is durable for high-use environments
- The stackable 4-leg chair supports flexible room layouts
- It's easy to clean and maintain
- It's locally supported for faster servicing
The result for James Cook University is a practical learning environment where furniture supports both group-based learning and instructor-led sessions.
Students now train in spaces that reflect real clinical settings, with furniture that is easy to maintain and replace.
