Outdoor Learning Space

The site was an unusual shape, dotted with dilapidated old play items and storage sheds. The school had been struggling to know what to do with it – though they had a clear vision to make the playground more environmentally friendly – with the introduction of sensory planting being key to their aims. Working closely with them, we developed a proposal centred around a low-level performance stage, with bespoke timber seating for formal lessons, or simply a quiet escape from noisier play areas. We built the surrounding  planting beds with 100% recycled [and recyclable], rot-proof Plaswood. The planting comprises a mix of flowering perennials, wildflowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses – with silver birch trees to provide shade. Birch plywood screening panels were added to an existing fence (dividing the different play areas). These were fitted with bright acrylic porthole windows, which cast colourful shadows on the grey tarmac surface. We also created a large bike track with road markings.

Client

Pelham Primary School

Brief

To create a new green area to attract wildlife into the playground – providing a sensory environment for children to learn and socialise outside.