2013
Bronte Public School, Bronte, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Chicken/Rabbit area, Before, 2012
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Construction: J M Landscapes
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Main Playspace, After, 2013
Chicken/Rabbit area, Before, 2012
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
Playspace, After, 2013
2012
Style Street Childrens Community LDC, Leichhardt, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: Exterior Landscapes
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Before, 2011
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Main Playspace, After, 2012
Kids Cottage, Hunters Hill, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: Asset Landscapes
Abbotsford L.D.C., Abbotsford, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
St Andrews Kindergarten, Abbotsford, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M LandscapesConstruction: Asset Landscapes
Kids Cottage, Hunters Hills (KCHH) is the second long daycare centre for Con and Mary Kakakios, following on to the hugely successful Kids Cottage, Gladesville. KCHH is a two level, purpose built LDC positioned in a residential area of Hunters Hill. Because of its location a successful Appeal to the Land and Environment court provided an approval for the centre to be built, with conditions on the construction of the playspaces.
The Infants area is on the upper level, easily accessible from the front entry level and carpark. The playspace contains a sand-play area built within a raised deck and a stepping-stone walk way leading to infants sized seating. The playspace is constructed to provide shelter from the wind and heat whilst allowing the children to observe and experience their environment. The different levels and structures provide both a challenge and assistance to children learning to walk. Because of the conditions of the L&E approval, a primary design consideration was to contain and diffuse any noise emanating from the area.
The main playspace is on the lower rear level and contains a dry creek bed (with bridge and water pump), a huge sand-play area, a slide mound, a shaded stage, balance beams, two highly utilised raised vegetable and herb garden beds and numerous naturally shaded small group spots. Various pathways of different materials link all components of the playspace. Again because of the conditions of the L&E approval, fences are of an unusual height and design to contain and diffuse any noise emanating from the area whilst at the same time reflect light into the playground and not appear overawing to small children.
Abbotsford L.D.C., Abbotsford, Sydney, New South Wales
St Andrews Kindergarten, Abbotsford, Sydney, New South Wales
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, Before, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, See through perspex worm farm,
Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, See through perspex worm farm,
Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main Playspace, See through perspex worm farm,
Sand and water play area, After, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
Before, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
Before, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012. A multi-purpose mound for running, climbing, rolling and sitting. The fenced apex can be utilized by children as private areas for the individual or group. The mound also doubles as makeshift seating for small group work.
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012. A set of embedded hooks allows educators to change the rope ladder for two knotted climbing ropes, a thick cargo rope, a section of cargo net, etc.
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area, After, 2012
The large mound encompasses as tunnel that whilst giving the children the impression of being a secret , private space is still easily supervised .
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012. A perspex panel built in to the apex deck allows light and communication between those children outside the tunnel and those within.
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
After, 2012
Main playspace, Gross Motor play area,
Before, After, 2012
MECIS, Leumeah, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Inaburra Preschool
Macarthur Early Childhood Intervention Service (MECIS) is an early childhood intervention program for children from birth to school-entry age with developmental delays and disabilities, and their families. Whilst their playspace is much smaller than most it is no less important. * Note: MECIS is not bound by the Education and Care Services National Regulations
The design brief for this project was to,
* Remove the fixed play equipment that dominated the playspace and create a natural sensory playspace
that provided universal access for children with restricted mobility,
* Provide inclusive, stable, activity venues, of optimal height, that can be utilised for multiple activities for
children who may have problems with Sensory Integration (SI). For example the perspex table can be
used to extend sand play from the sand pit, ball play or sensory art activities. The music panel can be
seeded with traditional and home-made musical instruments, or toys that make sounds, as a means to
introduce sound, music and song or to facilitate and augment sensory story telling.
Main playspace, Before, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, Before, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, Before, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Main playspace, After, 2012.
Bangor, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. The middle tier of the playground had stairs whose treads and risers were of equal size. This made it difficult for children of this age group to ascend/ descend safely. Additionally, the step treads were too small to be used for seating. It was requested that the new design should break up the open space in the tier to provide a series of smaller more intimate spaces.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Middle and lower tiers. Educators advised that the fixed cargo/scramble net was rarely use by children and that the series of stepped concrete levels was providing a mobility difficulty for parents with prams and a trip hazard for the children.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. In the fore ground is a small segment of the gently graduated Stoneset pathway that now links all levels. In the rear is a series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. Educators reported that the children had grown bored with the fixed slide and were rolling down the adjacent slope instead.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. The sandpit had been built on a slope which caused the sand to flow downwards out of the pit and onto other areas of the play ground. A concrete wall had been build around the outer lower rim of the pit to prevent this. Educators advised that the wall was non-functional and unsightly .
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The new sand pit is stepped and incorporates equipment boxes that double as seating, raised building platforms and a water channel that bisects the pit, doubles as a tier wall and empties into a dry creek bed watering the sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. Instead of emerging from a pump the water bubbles up from a sandstone cauldron before emptying into the rill. The water flow is controlled by an educator accessing a nearby tap which is fitted with a vandal proof keyed valve.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone cauldron emptying into the rill.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone rill acts as a terrace within the sand pit, a building platform and a source of water for the children and the vegetation within the creek bed.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone rill.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Middle tier. Prior to redevelopment the area beneath the sandpit was compacted grass, used by the children as an informal pathway to the sandpit.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier. After redevelopment the area incorporates a formal stepping stone pathway, a dry creek bed, a mini labyrinth/seating area and sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier. After redevelopment the area incorporates a formal stepping stone pathway, a dry creek bed, a mini labyrinth/seating area and sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper tier. A large bamboo teepee seat is ringed with sensory plantings and fragrant climbers which will grow upward and between the poles creating a shaded intimated small group area/storytelling space.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
Educators advised that they wished the area to be redesigned to create a safer, more natural environment that would provide clear supervisory sight lines, utilise "dead" space that had previously been used for retaining or had been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable, and to re-purpose the lower slopes to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
Educators advised that they wished the area to be redesigned to create a safer, more natural environment that would provide clear supervisory sight lines, utilise "dead" space that had previously been used for retaining or had been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable, and to re-purpose the lower slopes to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. A new mixed surface bike track.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
"Dead" space that had previously been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Lower tier. Prior "dead" space has been re-purposed to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
"Dead" space that had previously been used for retaining .
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. The slope between the middle and lower tiers is now has two separate climbing areas, (ropes and a climbing wall) a double slide and a tunnel slide.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. The slope between the middle and lower tiers is now has two separate climbing areas, (ropes and a climbing wall) a double slide and a tunnel slide.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper and middle tiers. A series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances, a climbing wall and an ascending log stepper causeway.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper and middle tiers. A series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances, a climbing wall and an ascending log stepper causeway with sensory plantings.
Strathfield One stop Child Care Service (SOCCS)
The design brief for this project was to,
* Create a safer more natural environment that would provide clear supervisory sight lines,
* Incorporate "dead" space that had previously been used for retaining or had been nominated by child care
regulatory bodies as unusable,
regulatory bodies as unusable,
* Restructure the playground levels to provide a clear direct pathway from top to bottom, reducing trip
hazards and providing a gently ascent/descent for parents with prams,
* Repurposing the lower slopes to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. The middle tier of the playground had stairs whose treads and risers were of equal size. This made it difficult for children of this age group to ascend/ descend safely. Additionally, the step treads were too small to be used for seating. It was requested that the new design should break up the open space in the tier to provide a series of smaller more intimate spaces.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Middle and lower tiers. Educators advised that the fixed cargo/scramble net was rarely use by children and that the series of stepped concrete levels was providing a mobility difficulty for parents with prams and a trip hazard for the children.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. In the fore ground is a small segment of the gently graduated Stoneset pathway that now links all levels. In the rear is a series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. Educators reported that the children had grown bored with the fixed slide and were rolling down the adjacent slope instead.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Top and middle tiers. The sandpit had been built on a slope which caused the sand to flow downwards out of the pit and onto other areas of the play ground. A concrete wall had been build around the outer lower rim of the pit to prevent this. Educators advised that the wall was non-functional and unsightly .
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The new sand pit is stepped and incorporates equipment boxes that double as seating, raised building platforms and a water channel that bisects the pit, doubles as a tier wall and empties into a dry creek bed watering the sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. Instead of emerging from a pump the water bubbles up from a sandstone cauldron before emptying into the rill. The water flow is controlled by an educator accessing a nearby tap which is fitted with a vandal proof keyed valve.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone cauldron emptying into the rill.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone rill acts as a terrace within the sand pit, a building platform and a source of water for the children and the vegetation within the creek bed.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Top and middle tiers. The sandstone rill.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Middle tier. Prior to redevelopment the area beneath the sandpit was compacted grass, used by the children as an informal pathway to the sandpit.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier. After redevelopment the area incorporates a formal stepping stone pathway, a dry creek bed, a mini labyrinth/seating area and sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle tier. After redevelopment the area incorporates a formal stepping stone pathway, a dry creek bed, a mini labyrinth/seating area and sensory plantings.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper tier. A large bamboo teepee seat is ringed with sensory plantings and fragrant climbers which will grow upward and between the poles creating a shaded intimated small group area/storytelling space.
Educators advised that they wished the area to be redesigned to create a safer, more natural environment that would provide clear supervisory sight lines, utilise "dead" space that had previously been used for retaining or had been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable, and to re-purpose the lower slopes to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
Educators advised that they wished the area to be redesigned to create a safer, more natural environment that would provide clear supervisory sight lines, utilise "dead" space that had previously been used for retaining or had been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable, and to re-purpose the lower slopes to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. A new mixed surface bike track.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
"Dead" space that had previously been nominated by child care regulatory bodies as unusable.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Lower tier. Prior "dead" space has been re-purposed to incorporate play and small group areas.
Preschool playspace, Before, 2011. Lower tier.
"Dead" space that had previously been used for retaining .
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. The slope between the middle and lower tiers is now has two separate climbing areas, (ropes and a climbing wall) a double slide and a tunnel slide.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Middle and lower tiers. The slope between the middle and lower tiers is now has two separate climbing areas, (ropes and a climbing wall) a double slide and a tunnel slide.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper and middle tiers. A series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances, a climbing wall and an ascending log stepper causeway.
Preschool playspace, After, 2012. Upper and middle tiers. A series of child dimensioned stairs that can be used for small group work or as ad-hoc seating for performances, a climbing wall and an ascending log stepper causeway with sensory plantings.
Strathfield, Sydney, New South Wales
4-5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
Prior to replacement a major problem in the 4 -5 YO playspace was inadequate drainage. This photo was 2 days after heavy rainfall. The lack of drainage, provided an OH&S risk and the inundated areas had to be cordoned off whilst it drained (temporarily reducing the area the children could play in), caused surface compaction and contributed to the decline of foliage in the yard.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012. Bearing the drainage situation in mind and in an effort to place naturalistic features where they would provide greatest benefit, a free draining creek bed was placed through the problematic area. Currently when heavy rain falls it is captured briefly for play before quickly draining to irrigate surrounding trees and foliage.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
4-5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
Babies playspace, After, 2012.
Babies playspace, After, 2012.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
John Brotchie Preschool, Part 2
Construction: J M Landscapes
SOCCS have three great new natural playspaces to replace their pre-loved predecessors.
SOCCS have three great new natural playspaces to replace their pre-loved predecessors.
4-5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
Prior to replacement a major problem in the 4 -5 YO playspace was inadequate drainage. This photo was 2 days after heavy rainfall. The lack of drainage, provided an OH&S risk and the inundated areas had to be cordoned off whilst it drained (temporarily reducing the area the children could play in), caused surface compaction and contributed to the decline of foliage in the yard.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012. Bearing the drainage situation in mind and in an effort to place naturalistic features where they would provide greatest benefit, a free draining creek bed was placed through the problematic area. Currently when heavy rain falls it is captured briefly for play before quickly draining to irrigate surrounding trees and foliage.
4-5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012. The sandpit bounds the creek bed (into which it drains) as does the digging patch
A raised pathway/bridge rings the playspace joining all areas.
4-5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
4 -5 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The raised pathways and stages are, respectively, the appropriate width to provide access and secluded play areas for children who require universal access.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012. A multilevel sandstone "hopscotch" arrangement, tests childrens' balance skills, is part of the path network and can provide a discreet seating area for small groups.
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
A raised double slide with a stairway large enough to provide access to the slide and away from the climbing incline. The incline is treated with sand/resin mixture which, whilst rough enough to provide traction, is smooth enough not to cause abrasions
4-5 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The raised double slide and climbing incline is ringed to 1.9m along its circumference with a sub-surface soft fall installation. An additional area, used for equipment related gross motor activities, can be seen in the foreground.
Babies playspace, Before, 2011.
Babies playspace, After, 2012. The new babies area is free draining and incorporates a sandpit with building platform, a Replas seat of recycled plastic, a low incline bridge with guide ropes for new toddlers, a low incline slide and rolling hill.
Babies playspace, Before, 2011.
Babies playspace, After, 2012.
The prior plantings have been culled and crown-lifted to provide more light whilst retaining natural shade. Sensory plantings have been added.
Babies playspace, After, 2012.
Babies playspace, Before, 2011.
Babies playspace, After, 2012.
A low incline hill and slide allows babies and new toddlers to test their balance and develop gross motor strength.
3 - 4 YO playspace, Before, 2011. Similar problems to the other playgrounds with drainage causing surface compaction (rendering soft fall less effective) and contributing to the decline of foliage in the yard.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
A new mixed surface bike track, Replas seats, numerous informal semi secluded seating areas, raised pathways, multi-purpose platform a covered cubbyhouse/outdoor classroom area and a variety of sensory plantings.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The existing brick flower beds have been emptied and refilled with a free-draining soil mixture and topped with sugar cane mulch. Surrounding trees have been crown-lifted to provide the requisite minimal 6 hours of sunlight which will allow the growth of appropriate herbs, vegetables or flowers.
3 - 4 YO playspace, Before, 2011.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
A raised sandstone pathway, balance beams and log steppers.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The raised sandstone pathway links various areas and is in the shape of a Robot.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The covered cubbyhouse/outdoor classroom area has dual indoor/outdoor blackboards for use by budding artists or for rendering the background for a performance.
3 - 4 YO playspace, After, 2012.
The mixed surface bike track incorporated free draining areas of cobbles, concrete embedded with pebbles, corrugated steel and various textures of Stoneset.
Ermington, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Main playspace, After, 2012
Bamboo teepees with newly planted climbers and a quiet area for small groups with a sandstone
table and seats.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
A water pump that feeds into a sandstone rill which in turn feeds into the sand pit. A Dinghy for all sorts of nautical adventures and a seat of recycled plastic that can accommodate a bevy of happy little souls and will last forever with out splintering, rotting or warping.
Main playspace, After, 2012
Reuse, reduce and recycle in action. The gentle slope of the site is incorporated into the design. Water from the rill flows into the sandpit which in turn drains into the creek bed feeding the plants.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
The creek bed feeds under a handmade Japanese style wooden arch bridge created to link play areas and direct the flow of traffic.
Main playspace, After, 2012
The bridge and playspace incorporate an existing Eucalyptus Haemastoma for shade and as a natural play feature.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Multi-purpose outdoor class area that can be used for dramatic play and art.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Enormous dual blackboards that can also be utilised as a backdrop where children can create their own sets and scenery for dramatic performances.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Moulded concrete sleepers form a garden bed raised to child height that can be used all year to grow flowers, sensory and edible herbs, vegetables and other natural treats.
.JPG)
Babies playspace, Before, 2011
Babies playspace, After, 2012
The existing low pile artificial turf (the area is heavily shaded and cannot support real turf) in the area has been replaced with non toxic Australian manufactured high pile artificial grass that serves as a softer, cooler, safer alternative. The area now has a sand play area with raised building platform, a sensory activity spot and a child height, clear perspex art and activity table
Babies playspace, After, 2012
Pathways constructed of different materials provide tactile stimuli to babies as they crawl over them. A variety of safe, strong and durable grass plants provide different textures, smells and sounds as well as creating gentle enclosed tunnels and secret spaces.
Babies playspace, After, 2012
The multi-purpose timber frame with hooks can be used as a sensory activity spot for babies. Staff can interchange scarves, mobiles and musical instruments to provide a constant source of sounds, colours, textures and movement.
Babies playspace, After, 2012
A clear multi-purpose perspex table at child height.
The table can be used for craft and sensory activities, (e.g creating finger paintings without paper that are viewable from above and below the table) The table also provides a point of stability for toddlers who wish to join in activities. Because of its transparent nature toys and books placed on the table serve as an enticement to those children who are in the process of learning to stand.
Congratulations to Active Kids Ermington on the completion of their new playspace. I have included some before shots so you can compare a KFC playground and a naturalistic environment, love to hear what you think.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Main playspace, After, 2012
Bamboo teepees with newly planted climbers and a quiet area for small groups with a sandstone
table and seats.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
A water pump that feeds into a sandstone rill which in turn feeds into the sand pit. A Dinghy for all sorts of nautical adventures and a seat of recycled plastic that can accommodate a bevy of happy little souls and will last forever with out splintering, rotting or warping.
Main playspace, After, 2012
Reuse, reduce and recycle in action. The gentle slope of the site is incorporated into the design. Water from the rill flows into the sandpit which in turn drains into the creek bed feeding the plants.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
The creek bed feeds under a handmade Japanese style wooden arch bridge created to link play areas and direct the flow of traffic.
Main playspace, After, 2012
The bridge and playspace incorporate an existing Eucalyptus Haemastoma for shade and as a natural play feature.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Multi-purpose outdoor class area that can be used for dramatic play and art.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Enormous dual blackboards that can also be utilised as a backdrop where children can create their own sets and scenery for dramatic performances.
.JPG)
Main playspace, Before, 2011
Main playspace, After, 2012
Moulded concrete sleepers form a garden bed raised to child height that can be used all year to grow flowers, sensory and edible herbs, vegetables and other natural treats.
.JPG)
Babies playspace, Before, 2011
Babies playspace, After, 2012
The existing low pile artificial turf (the area is heavily shaded and cannot support real turf) in the area has been replaced with non toxic Australian manufactured high pile artificial grass that serves as a softer, cooler, safer alternative. The area now has a sand play area with raised building platform, a sensory activity spot and a child height, clear perspex art and activity table
Babies playspace, After, 2012
Pathways constructed of different materials provide tactile stimuli to babies as they crawl over them. A variety of safe, strong and durable grass plants provide different textures, smells and sounds as well as creating gentle enclosed tunnels and secret spaces.
Babies playspace, After, 2012
The multi-purpose timber frame with hooks can be used as a sensory activity spot for babies. Staff can interchange scarves, mobiles and musical instruments to provide a constant source of sounds, colours, textures and movement.
A clear multi-purpose perspex table at child height.
The table can be used for craft and sensory activities, (e.g creating finger paintings without paper that are viewable from above and below the table) The table also provides a point of stability for toddlers who wish to join in activities. Because of its transparent nature toys and books placed on the table serve as an enticement to those children who are in the process of learning to stand.
John Brotchie Preschool, Part 2
Botany, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
A large mound encompasses a tunnel that whilst giving children the the impression of being a secret, private space, is still easily supervised. The planting ensures that children enter the space slowly, from either side, reducing risk of those over "enthusiastic accidents"
Board walks and stepping stones provide choice of access, at the same time defining pathways of movement.
A multi-purpose mound for running, climbing, rolling and sitting. The fenced apex and tunnel can be utilized by children as private areas for the individual or group. The mound also doubles as makeshift seating for performances on the stage/outdoor classroom.
A perspex panel built in to the apex deck allows light and communication between those children outside the tunnel and those within.
A large sheltered outdoor classroom, come stage, for those highly creative performances.
Large multicoloured circular perspex panels are mounted at different angles on poles in the centre of the digging patch. At varying times of the day the sun bathes different areas in different colours, as the sun moves the individual foci shift and meld projecting new colour mixtures onto the building platforms, rocks and children.
Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Labyrinths provide a powerful means of introducing restful movement into children’s playspaces/playgrounds. They have one path which leads to the centre and back out again and have been used for centuries as a form of meditation. Walking a labyrinth is a right brain activity requiring a passive and relaxing mindset. This one has a Tristaniopsis 'Luscious' at the centre that will grow and eventually provide shade to the whole pathway.
As an alternative to highly priced, fixed use plastic equipment installations, timber and other natural materials are cheaper and can be used to craft physically challenging open ended play items, that can also promote spontaneous creative and imaginative play.
A series of child sized raised garden beds with three poles for hanging baskets (strawberries, tomatoes etc.) and a nifty child sized potting bench.
A Children's String Weaving Loom. Although not visible in this photo there are numerous galvanised hooks set in the inner side of the upper and lower horizontal beams. The materials that form the warp and weft can then be added.
2011
Cronulla, Sydney, New South Wales
Miranda, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Rozelle, Sydney, New South Wales
Sutherland, Sydney, New South Wales
2010
St Matthew’s Preschool,
Baulkham Hills, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Waverley Child Care Centre,
Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: Urban Landscape Projects
North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales
St Annes Childcare Centre
Ballina, New South Wales
Construction: Unknown
Macquarie Park, Sydney, New South Wales
Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
2009
Miranda, Sydney, New South Wales
Uniting Care, Janice Crosio Childcare Centre,
Penrith, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Bondi, Sydney, New South Wales
Macquarie Park, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: Assset Landscapes
The Emmanuel School
Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Caringbah Uniting Church Preschool
Caringbah, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Bundeena Preschool
Bundeena, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: J M Landscapes
Balcombe Heights Children's Centre
Baulkham Hills, Sydney, New South Wales
Yass Montessori Preschool
Yass, New South Wales
Tiny Tots Academy
Caringbah, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: Parent Committee & TRPLD
The Point Preschool
Oyster Bay, Sydney, New South Wales
The Point Preschool and its Director Catherine Lee are in turn, a fantastic example and a strong proponent of naturalistic playspace design. Sadly they are also the exception rather than the rule.
Kilsyth, Melbourne, Victoria
Construction: C M Landscapes
Thank you Naomi
Gymea, Sydney, New South Wales
Construction: TRPLD
Lithgow, New South Wales
Construction: Unknown
Galston, New South Wales
