This project at Elmwood Normal School was part of a broader site upgrade, aimed at improving both the function and safety of the outdoor environment for students and staff. With extensive experience delivering landscape construction in education settings, including previous work at Elmwood, we were well-placed to take on the scope, which included several technically complex elements.
The works included a large 276m2 wet-pour soft-fall play area, designed and installed to meet GFH safety requirements. This required detailed excavation, base preparation, and timber edging work to ensure longevity and performance. A new shade sail structure was also installed, providing shelter and sun protection for students.
We modified and relocated existing play equipment, including re-powdercoating steel elements and installing a new plywood roof. Our team also constructed a hardwood timber deck and a 42m2 sandpit complete with a fitted cover, seat edging, and retaining wall, offering a safe and engaging play space for younger students.
Other highlights included a pedestrian concrete pavement in exposed aggregate finish, new bench seating, and over 80m2 of new garden beds planted to specification and finished with bark mulch. Each item was delivered with an eye for durability and practicality for an active school environment.
While the scope was broad, our team was familiar with each element, having constructed variation of them many times before. Coordination across trades and early planning meant no changes to the original scope or budget were required.
The result is a more usable, modern, and student-friendly outdoor space that will support the school’s needs well into the future.
Client
Elmwood Normal School
Project Completed
2025
Landscape Architect
Macrae Landscape Design
