Collaboration and wellbeing at the heart of Crown Paints' Liz Hickson Academy.
Crown Paints has unveiled the Liz Hickson Academy, a vibrant and functional addition to its historic headquarters in Darwen, Lancashire.
Blending bold colour palettes, biophilic design, and sustainably-conscious materials, the Academy has transformed a once-derelict space into a creative and inspiring hub where employees can learn, relax, and come together. It's been divided into two thoughtfully designed areas: The Hangout and The Hideaway, to facilitate different activities.
The Hangout
The Hangout has been designed for socialising, collaboration, and fun, comprising a vibrant space centred around a striking multi-coloured bar made by Solidlux from recycled plastics from fellow Material Source Studio partner, CDUK.
This feature sets the tone for a playful yet sophisticated environment, complemented by versatile furniture like the large Sedir sofa - by sixteen3 - another partner at Material Source Studio - upholstered in a tonal mix of velvet and boucle fabrics.
Reconfigurable for various activities—from games nights to screenings of major events like the World Cup—the sofa encourages interaction and flexibility.
High tables with green accents visually connect the space to adjoining rooms, while bespoke Monsal benches and Options tables create cosy alcove seating perfect for board games. Multi-level seating, including sixteen3 Lloyd stools, adds depth to the layout, with ample storage provided by Vepa lockers.
The warm, energising palette draws from Crown Paints colours, like Neroli, which introduces joyful energy. Lighting by Material Source partner, Light Forms, enhances the space’s lively atmosphere, tying the design together.
The Hideaway
In contrast to this, The Hideaway offers a serene, nature-inspired environment designed to support wellbeing and relaxation. Featuring deep Villa Vista green walls and natural wooden finishes, the space incorporates biophilic elements such as a central olive tree and hand-painted fabric upholstery.
The custom fabric created by Material Source partner, BOBO1325, using Crown’s Clean Air paint, celebrates air-purifying plants and represents a quintessential English spring garden, championing Crown’s historic British heritage.
Furniture choices, such as circular library shelving, Bodyn booths, and Link seating, provide quiet, intimate areas for reflection. Odyssey high-backed chairs and semi-circular Fuse 2 layouts offer cocooning comfort for both group discussions and individual moments of calm. The space’s biophilic design, complemented by soft textures and earthy tones, creates a welcoming sanctuary within the workplace.
The Liz Hickson Academy is a shining example of collaboration between Crown Paints and a range of Material Source Studio partners. Furniture by sixteen3, lockers by Vepa, carpets by EGE, and fabrics by Camira and BOBO1325 combine to create a cohesive and sustainable environment.
Lighting by Lightforms and Crown’s own Clean Air paint further underscores the partnerships' shared commitment to quality, creativity, and environmental responsibility. Arte’s Alaya panoramic wall mural adds an artistic touch, enriching the space with its intricate design.
Further enhancing the interior are Mustard Made cabinets in two finishes: Lowdown in Butter for The Hangout and Midi in Sage for The Hideaway.
Bespoke loop bookshelves, crafted by Tim Denton, bring natural wooden elements to the space, complementing The Hideaway's biophilic design.
This project beautifully highlights how Material Source Studio partner products combine with one another seamlessly to deliver exceptional, forward-thinking interior schemes.
