Thorndon Park Primary School

Outdoor Learning Space

Previously an open, boggy grass area, this project transformed the site into an immersive natural environment designed to grow and evolve with the children. Central to the design was the use of a rich palette of local native plants, connecting children to nature through colour, movement, and by attracting insects and birds, while fostering biodiversity and sensory engagement.

A key objective was to improve children’s gross motor skills through balancing and climbing, without creating a space that felt like a conventional playscape. To achieve this, play elements were subtly integrated throughout the landscape, including trail features, a climbing wall, and a scrambling net, encouraging exploration, physical activity, and imaginative play while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

Waterplay, often challenging in schools, was addressed through custom stainless-steel activators and outlet interfacesconcealed within natural rock features. These locally fabricated, fully serviceable components use potable water safely while minimizing wastage through controlled flow, pressure, and run-time. Water flows gently through the area into a small wetland, where unused water supports a variety of native sedges, combining ecological function with playful interaction.

The design also fosters outdoor learning, providing a flexible, multi-use hub that encourages children to connect with and appreciate the natural world. By integrating play, education, and nature, the project has created a dynamic, immersive space where children can explore, learn, and develop a deeper connection to their environment.