The Stage One redevelopment of the early years playground is a pivotal first step in the school’s multi-stage master plan, transforming a once hard-edged, institutional space into a lush, immersive, nature-based play environment.

Previously dominated by bitumen, a central brick storeroom, plastic equipment, and sparse planting, the playground lacked sensory richness and educational value. The new design reimagines the same footprint to prioritise organic form, natural materials, and student-led exploration—offering a meaningful connection to landscape and play.

Three purpose-built timber sheds anchor the space, housing a sandpit and mud kitchen, a student bike workshop, and a store for loose-part equipment. A generously shaded softfall area supports play in all weather conditions, while a large natural grassed area and an undulating, organically shaped bike track encourage active movement and coordination.

At the core of the playground lies a shaded, tiered timber platform—an adaptable gathering point for performances, group learning, or quiet reflection. The design embraces lush, layered native planting throughout, with hardy, child-friendly species chosen for their resilience, sensory appeal, and capacity to thrive under constant interaction. These rich plantings create a verdant, textured backdrop that both softens the built elements and enhances biodiversity.

Curved paths, mounded edges, and textured surfaces shape the play zones, while subtle shifts in colour and materiality suggest different uses without being prescriptive. Children are invited to imagine, adapt, and reinterpret the space—breaking away from rigid programmatic play.

Natural tones and materials ensure that structures blend seamlessly into the landscape. The result is a cohesive, ecologically sensitive, and lush environment that supports cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, and a strong sense of place for the youngest members of the school community.

This design sets a precedent for future stages of the master plan—demonstrating how thoughtful, landscape-led interventions can create deeply engaging and educational spaces.