inspired exteriors - Gold Award

Landscape Design - Educational/Institutional/Playspace

Design Brief:

Ravenswood School for Girls requested a complete renovation of their existing central courtyard which was dedicated to their Old Girls. The aim of the design was to provide a space in which the students would interact, play and create memories.  Further to this, the school was hoping to provide a sophisticated area in which outdoor lessons and events could take place. 

It was important for the courtyard to have areas of sun and shade for the children to use. However, being surrounded by multi-storey buildings on each perimeter it was imperative that this shade did not take on the form of a standard pergola structure adding to the already overwhelming built form. The aim being to create a canopy of plant material without necessarily relying on only the use of trees.

Varied seating opportunities were important across the site as this courtyard was to be used for lunch. Niches were to be created to allow groups to sit together whilst open views into each area were important for teacher supervision. 

It was also requested that a formal set of stairs were incorporated into the design to allow photos to take place and which could also be utilised as an outdoor classroom environment. Plants needed different flower colours, leaf form and texture. This would ensure year-round interest.

Location : Gordon, Sydney

Click on the thumbnails to view larger images