An outdoor area for children at a new kindergarten, where natural materials and colours are used to give a natural feel to the site.

A new kindergarten at Waterview was one of many community outcomes related to the construction of the Waterview Tunnel.

Boffa Miskell play specialists worked alongside the architect, in consultation with the community and the Auckland Kindergarten Association property team to develop a masterplan for a space where children would learn through a range of play-based opportunities in the outdoor environment.

Location

North Island

Project team

Sarah Collins

Worked with

Beca
Craftsman Gardener Services
Octa Associates
WPH Architects

Project date

2011 - 2012

The building was sited to provide a children’s outdoor area facing north-east in a warm sheltered spot. The outdoor area flows freely from the building and is open and easily accessible through connecting pathways that run centrally within the area.

The important play destinations are located around the perimeter, connected by the concrete path, while at the same time separating the different types of play, avoiding the potential for conflict as children move around the site. The paths also provide all-weather access through the site and are wide enough for outdoor play activities to be set up.

Once the masterplan was signed-off we prepared developed and detailed design drawings; and subsequently provided site observation as the works were implemented.