Crown Paints – Liz Hickson Academy
Case Studies, Stories
At the heart of Crown Paints’ historic headquarters in Darwen, Lancashire, lies the newly revitalised Liz Hickson Academy – a creative and stylish environment designed for employees to learn, enjoy, relax, and come together. Named in memory of a valued colleague, this unique environment embodies Crown’s ethos, “It’s not just paint, it’s personal.” Designed as a place to learn, relax, and connect, the Academy fosters creativity and well-being at every turn.
Visitors and staff enter into In The Hangout, a games room full of joyful energy with a layout which encourages social interaction. The centrepiece is a back-lit feature bar, made from recycled plastics which makes for a striking focal point and a nod to Crown’s commitment in reducing environmental impact. An expansive back-to-back arrangement of Sedir sofas, provide flexible seating for activities such as playing computer games, watching TV, or even cheering on events like the World Cup. Monsal benches and Options tables fit neatly into alcoves, perfect for board game play, while Lloyd stools surround the colourful bar, tying together the playful yet cohesive aesthetic.
In contrast, The Hideaway offers a calming, nature-inspired space designed to promote employee wellbeing. The deep Villa Vista green walls, natural wooden finishes, and biophilic elements such as the central olive tree create a restful, grounding atmosphere. Circular library shelves, the Bodyn booths, and Link seating upholstered in bespoke, hand-painted BOBO 1325 fabric lend the room a sense of quiet sophistication. Meanwhile, the semi-circular Fuse 2 layouts and high-backed Odyssey chairs offer cocoon-like seating for both group gatherings and moments of individual relaxation. Together, these areas highlight the power of design and sustainability, celebrating both Crown’s legacy and its vision for the future.
Delivered in collaboration with Penkeths, the Liz Hickson Academy is a testament to the power of design and sustainability. Together with a network of skilled partners, the Academy celebrates Crown’s legacy while showcasing its forward-thinking vision for the future.
