Community Building & Hardwood Dining Hall Chairs
What brings people together? At Eustis Chair, we believe that one of the most powerful ways to foster a sense of community is through shared meals. Gathering around a well-crafted table, surrounded by durable, sustainable hardwood dining chairs, can strengthen the bonds between people. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience that connects us. Research from the University of Oxford supports this, showing that people who regularly dine together are more likely to feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. Scientific studies reveal that communal eating enhances social bonding and overall well-being, proving that we are hardwired to feel joy when sharing meals with others.
This concept comes to life at the Westminster School, where tradition and community are deeply ingrained in the student experience. In 2009, we were proud to design and manufacture the custom Westminster Chair for their campus. The success of the design led to a larger project in 2017 when Westminster added 600 more Westminster Stacking Chairs to their brand-new Armstrong Dining Hall.
On October 13, 2017, Westminster celebrated the dedication of three new buildings: the Armstrong Dining Hall, Kelter House, and Brockelman Student Center. These spaces were designed to transform student life on the Simsbury campus, with Armstrong Hall standing out as a central hub for gathering. The new dining hall, which opened at the start of the school year, boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, spacious seating for over 500 people, and patio and terrace areas that invite after-hours socializing. It was here, in the heart of the campus, that the dedication ceremony took place, where students, faculty, and guests enjoyed a gala dinner and special performances by Westminster students.
Michael Roper, a speaker at the event, highlighted the significance of Armstrong Dining Hall to the school’s evolving campus. “The Westminster community has always been very strong,” Roper said, “but the new dining hall has given more room for the students and faculty to come together.” The relocation of the campus dining facility from Cushing Hall to Armstrong Hall allowed Westminster to redefine how their community connects. Cushing Hall now acts as a connector between the main academic center, Armour Hall, and the dining space, ensuring it remains a key area of campus activity.
The design of Armstrong Dining Hall allows the entire student body to gather in one place for family-style meals, enhancing the strong sense of community that Westminster is known for. These communal meals are vital to fostering relationships, and the hall’s spacious yet intimate setting creates opportunities for students and faculty to engage with one another daily.
Dining hall chairs by Eustis Chair have been an essential part of this environment, offering not just seating, but the durability and elegance necessary for such a vital space. The Westminster Stacking Chairs, known for their innovative engineering, blend seamlessly with the dining hall’s bright and inviting atmosphere. Crafted to withstand the rigors of everyday use while retaining their beauty, these chairs are a testament to our commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the creation of spaces that bring people together.
At Eustis Chair, we are honored to be a part of Westminster School’s history, helping to build a community through thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Our chairs continue to serve the Westminster community effortlessly, proving that science, tradition, and expert craftsmanship can come together to enrich lives.