Page 24 - Landscape-Issue142

PROJECT

A rain garden was created to catch runoff Synthetic turf on the multi-purpose playing field

Chess set in one of the high school recreational spaces Landscaping in the pre-primary school area

fostering social interaction and a sense only provide viewing platforms but are circular steel elements serving as goal
of community. Whether for play, casual integrated into the design; posts. The integration of steel elements
conversation or school events, these • in designing the prep school’s play creates the opportunity for play pieces
spaces are adaptable for different uses; scape, the architects balanced physical such as wall shuffles and monkey bars,
• drinking fountains are strategically development, safety and risk-taking in an further enhancing the play experience
placed in high traffic areas. Their aesthetic age-appropriate way. The compact space and making the most of limited space.
aligns with the school’s branding and was optimised with playscapes positioned Chen says that the use of natural materials
they feature vibrant, functional designs; along the perimeter, leaving room for was central to their design approach and
• a paving colour scheme has been used landscaped berms, open play areas and used as much as practically possible, for
to differentiate pathways. Primary paths, outdoor learning spaces. The playscape example the colour of rubberised surfaces
which connect all the buildings, have one zones are thoughtfully divided between required for fall zones was carefully chosen
colour, while secondary paths around high-energy areas and quieter zones for to blend with the environment, resembling
individual buildings, as well as seating relaxation; natural mulch or groundcover. Open spaces
steps, have another. A third colour marks • play elements were integrated into the at the prep school have a park-like quality,
recreational areas for table tennis and ball building structure itself, for instance a incorporating gum pole play structures
courts; concrete tunnel forms part of the stair alongside modern, white steel elements.
• integrated outdoor seating involves core, with a slide descending from the This creates a harmonious blend of natural
retaining areas that double up as seating, stairs’ landing. Steel mesh screens around and contemporary materials.
such as around the astro fields, outdoor stairways have been replaced with white • for the high school outdoor spaces, the
social and learning spaces, and around cargo nets, transforming them into focus is on social and recreational spaces
chess tables. These seating steps not play spaces such as soccer netting, with rather than traditional play areas. Here,

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