Little Blue Penguin Preschool and Nursery
This project involved designing and constructing an outdoor learning environment that catered to children from babies to age 6.
Key Words:
Homely, natural, garden, learning environment
Location:
Bishopdale, Christchurch
Year:
2018
Worked with:
Laing Homes
Unique to this project:
- Mixed-age: This project involved designing and constructing an outdoor learning environment that catered to children from babies to age 6. We created a range of areas to accommodate the varying developmental stages of each age group.
- Deck: This project embraced curves and our clients encouraged us to stay away from straight lines. We constructed a deck that encompassed the natural boulders to create an interesting and inviting space for the children to explore.
Challenges
- Regulations: Early Childhood learning environments are required to meet a multitude of New Zealand Standards. This playground needed to be challenging and exciting for children, while still meeting the range of safety standards
- Budget: This project was for a small preschool and nursery with a strict budget.
- Small space: We needed to utilize all of the outdoor space.
Successes
- This playground passed the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education inspections with no issues.
- The handrails: We hand-crafted safety handrails from Manuka. This met the necessary safety standards while keeping in line with the natural, homely vibe of the early learning centre.
- On time and on budget: We completed this project on time, ensuring the early learning center could meet it’s licensing requirements and open on time.
- We created a unique playground that is desired and sought after in its industry.
Featured Product
Manuka Handrails
Sourced:
Locally
How we used it:
To create safety handrails that were aesthetically pleasing as well as safe.
Why we love it:
The manuka gave a natural and soft feel to the handrails.