Mylor Primary School
Project Overview
The Mylor Primary School project delivers a nature-based outdoor learning and gathering space that supports food education, sustainability, and community connection. The design transforms an underutilised area of the school grounds into a productive, shaded environment that encourages hands-on learning, collaboration, and moments of quiet reflection.
Design Response
At the heart of the project is a productive garden space designed to support curriculum-based learning and shared use. Raised vegetable beds fabricated from Corten steel provide robust, long-lasting infrastructure for food production while introducing a warm, natural material palette that complements the surrounding landscape. Reclaimed ‘Old Red’ brick pavers were reused to define pathways and working areas, reinforcing sustainable design principles and grounding the space in the local character of Mylor.
Garden areas are finished with sawdust mulch to improve soil performance, manage moisture retention, and provide a soft, natural surface suitable for student use. New planting was introduced throughout the space to reduce heat, increase shade, and improve overall microclimatic comfort, ensuring the garden remains usable across seasons.
A custom shade structure forms a central gathering point within the garden, offering protection from sun and weather while supporting a range of learning and community activities. Integrated within the structure is a purpose-built workbench designed for food preparation, gardening activities, and informal gatherings. The space is further supported by a custom hardwood bench, providing a place for rest, observation, and reflection within the garden setting.
The project extends beyond the school boundary through a partnership with a local café, strengthening community connections and reinforcing real-world learning opportunities around food production, sustainability, and shared stewardship of the space.
Outcome
The completed landscape provides a flexible, climate-responsive outdoor learning environment that supports hands-on education, wellbeing, and community engagement. Through thoughtful material selection, integrated infrastructure, and strong local partnerships, the project creates a space that will continue to grow and evolve alongside the school community.
