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Play elements were integrated into the building structure, such as this red slide and concrete tunnel

Spaces between the buildings accommodate planting areas which contain species from the Egoli Grassland vegetation type. The landscaping informs learners and
staff about the value of grasslands in nature.

in between. The rain garden serves two Presently, the veld grasses still get some planning and detailed design of outdoor
purposes: for stormwater management irrigation as the trees within them are areas, playscapes and hardscapes.
and an educational tool for children. Its watered, but in the rainy season it is rarely Stacey Chen says they worked closely
proximity to the prep school allows learners necessary to water. The school runs off a with the consultants, ensuring a “shared
to observe its function first hand, while also borehole. understanding of the design vision, and
enhancing the aesthetic of the school’s Some intensive weeding had to be creating a holistic approach to the outdoor
preparatory and high school campus, from done until the grasses and forbs were fully spaces, for example outdoor planter areas
the pre-school parking lot. established, (good mulching helped a were placed to balance hard surfaces with
The sidewalk is very wide, and a lot), but now the landscape only requires natural greenery, and planter heights were
meandering dry creek with a series of shallow mowing of the lawns. chosen to enhance the human scale of the
attenuation ponds was created. Water- In a next phase of the school’s buildings, with some at eye level to create
loving plants were planted in the ponds, and development, a food and exploration interest along circulation paths.”
the entire sidewalk was hydroseeded. garden is being planned, focusing on Chen also provided the following details:
indigenous edible plants. • learning is not confined to the classroom,
Irrigation and outdoor spaces were designed as
The lawns have fully automatic irrigation, Holistic approach to outdoor extensions to the learning environment.
but only turf valves were installed in the spaces These spaces encourage both social
veld grass areas. These were used to irrigate Skye Architects was responsible for the interaction and educational experiences;
the grasses until they were established. outdoor environment, involving master • outdoor areas cater for gatherings,

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 142 2024 21