Project Overview
In early 2023, the school contacted us to provide a concept plan and costings for a grant application. They identified the existing area needed an upgrade from both a play value and landscaping perspective.
Our brief was to:
- Create a level area with synthetic grass for ball sports
- Provide a sandpit in a shed that could be closed to begin the play journey
- Design for progressive development and inclusivity
- Introduce tactile materials and sensory moving parts
- Create a safe space to help timid users progress through sensory and interactive play
- Address secure areas that could be locked at night
- Ensure connection to existing school pathways and provide proper drainage and shade
- Spread play activities throughout the area with multiple points of interest
- Allow for both solo and social play options
- The custom sandpit shed is the first of its kind to be delivered. It involved extensive behind-the-scenes expertise and collaboration with the shed fabricator and engineer to ensure it was safe, fit for purpose in a school setting, and met relevant standards. It includes:
- Customised internal panelling
- Insulation and ventilation
- In-ground sandpit with extensive drainage
This design allows the school to easily secure the sandpit from the elements when not in use by simply pulling down the doors and locking it up. It was elevated and oriented to capture the breeze.
Project Design
- Balance trails
- Ball court
- Modular play unit – motor skills
- Variety of surfacing
- Freestanding sensory panels
- Secure sandpit
- Sensory panels
The custom sandpit shed is the first of its kind to be delivered. It involved extensive behind-the-scenes expertise and collaboration with the shed fabricator and engineer to ensure it was safe, fit for purpose in a school setting, and met relevant standards.
It includes:
- Customised internal panelling
- Insulation and ventilation
- In-ground sandpit with extensive drainage
This design allows the school to easily secure the sandpit from the elements when not in use by simply pulling down the doors and locking it up. It was elevated and oriented to capture the breeze.
Inclusivity
- Connection paths for easy access
- Ground-level freestanding panels
- Wheelchair-accessible sandpit
- Sandpit shed includes an awning providing shelter for supervision and socialisation
- Sensory panels
- Flush finishes between paths, rubber, and synthetic grass
- Rubber surfacing supports easy supervision
Landscaping
Austek collaborates with external landscapers to ensure every project achieves the best possible outcome.
Softfall
Rubber, Mulch, synthetic grass
Similar Products
- Omnitech Extreme A02934
- Fusion Striker
- Fahr Sensory Panels – Eco Tall tube Chimes, farm shop, flower explorer
Project Outcome
Our initial concept designs were critical in supporting the school’s successful grant application. The end result is a bright and engaging space that’s easy to maintain and meets all client expectations.
The variety of equipment engages prep-aged kids across multiple levels of development, through:
- Interactive peer-to-peer play
- Motor skill development
- Ball sports
- Balance and coordination
- Socialisation zones
- Imaginative and inclusive play
