OUTHOUSE design -silver Award

Master Planning

Design Brief:

Edgeware School is a unique facility with a clear purpose to support year 9 to year 12 students who have not flourished in mainstream schools. Children with special needs, mental health and behavioural considerations and disorders, are given a second chance for education. They were seeking a long-term Masterplan to not just undertake landscape works, but also act as a strong road map to seek funding and create a positive focus for teachers, students and the surrounding community.

The goal of the masterplan was to create an integrated learning environment with a strong sense of welcome, including to the wider community, while defining the boundaries of the school. The landscape will promote outdoor learning, physical activity and sensory play with opportunities for communal and individual seating zones and a clear and safe network of connecting pathways.

One of the key elements was to connect with the local community so a location was committed for a multi-sport court, a gym and a form of sensory garden for the younger community members.

Judges’ Comments:

This plan ticks all the boxes for a learning environment that engages with nature. It is an innovative, welcoming design. The brief included giving back to the community and this has the potential to satisfy all stakeholders. Pride plays a big part in students feeling confident and confidence fosters learning. This is a wonderful example of the type of design that would benefit students in all schools.

Designer:

Steve Warner
E.      stevewarner@outhousedesign.com.au
W.    outhousedesign.com.au
Inst. @outhouse_design

Contributing Designer:
Katrine Mardini

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