Blog : Spatial Design

A few months ago we had an idea to create a new type of outdoor learning space inspired by the relationship between indoors and outdoors in traditional  Japanese dwellings. We came up with with a very simple concept that worked beautifully at the site, which is currently a large expanse of hard landscaping at Woodlands Primary School. The project received full planning approval last week and The Lodge ( working title) will form a base for outdoor learning and a range of Forest School activities and we see enormous potential for a diverse range of enrichment activities led by children. We are incorporating many learning opportunities for the children and staff into the construction phase and as a team are very excited about delivering this project over the next term. We had a great planning session today with the teachers at Woodlands who like us, and the children, want to squeeze every learning opportunity out of this project. We will be including land art and sculpture into the surrounding area and the process will start with the children working with us to create a story that will form the design narrative, can’t wait until the site goes live on the 26th February.

We worked with Year 1 at Greenacres Primary School yesterday linking design & technology with sculpture as the kids responded to an SOS from a group of frozen cuddly toys! The toys had been out all night in the snow and sent a video message to the kids asking them to make some sort of shelter /home for them. The challenge was responded to do with enthusiasm,creativity and teamwork. The kids working individually and created a range of designs as drawings and clay models and then worked in small teams to construct finished ‘homes’ using withies. It was a great day and we were able to draw out many of the threads being developed through their half term topic of ‘Homes”. These photos give you an insight into the level of engagement and fun throughout the day.

Short Wood Primary School in Telford are the proud owners of this fantastic outdoor learning space inspired by nature.  The amazing space is situated on the school’s own lake and is a great way to turn learning outside into something unique and inspiring.

The Nest was designed by children working alongside a creative team using maths and engineering and the design process itself saw a series of outstanding lessons produce outstanding results. The children produced a series of ideas and prototype designs and selected their favourite features from a variety of design options before producing a scaled model of their new outdoor ‘floating classroom’.

The Nest can hold class size groups comfortably and is design to nurture learning and get people closer to nature.

We are currently working with George Betts Primary School to develop a unique outdoor learning space based on the ‘pillars of learning’ that underpin all effective learning and teaching. We are inspired by what children think and feel when they are fully engaged in a creative learning experience and want to try and show that through inspired architectural spaces.

The designs represent the expressions on children’s faces when they are fully engaged and include imagination, investigation, surprise, concentration and delight. The buildings have a unique architectural integrity that blurs the lines between sculpture and construction and they are robust eco-friendly structures constructed from sustainable materials that are locally sourced.

We are building a new outdoor learning lodge at Woodlands Primary School in Telford. The design inspires a connection between learning and the outdoors and will provide a base for Forest School activities. This walk through animation will give you a 3d perspective of this innovative and unique design. It is a 21st Century low carbon sustainable building made from locally sourced materials. The children at the school have been involved with developing the project and the stakeholders are very excited about this project. It will be an excellent addition to the school and enrich the curriculum by providing many creative opportunities for inspired outdoor learning.

This new outdoor learning centre at Short Wood Primary School in Telford, Shropshire, was constructed from sustainable materials to create a AAA rated building with a very low carbon foot print.

This short film shows the construction process and the school are absolutely delighted with their new building that provides the whole learning community with a wonderful and inspirational learning environment.

What could be better on a sunny afternoon than putting the finishing touches to a wonderful outdoor, woodland installation by laying the grass. There was only one way to achieve this quickly and efficiently – the ‘Lazy’ way.

Using a special ‘Lazy Lawn’, watch how we do our best to replicate mother nature’s work and ‘grow’ the perfect lawn upon a concrete floor. Not only is it easy to install, it’s easy to maintain as no watering or cutting is required!

See how the old, oak stump from the Welsh valleys was transformed into a wonderful butterfly. John and his trusty chainsaw create this marvelous sculpture portraying the life cycle of a caterpillar which will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.

The sculpture is currently taking centre stage as part of a space transformation project at Greenacres Primary School and is set within a woodland installation due to be complete by the end of May.

What better place to gain inspiration for a primary school woodland installation than the Welsh valleys. The centre piece of which will be a beautiful, authentic oak sculpture. But before any sculpting can be done, there’s the small matter of moving the 4 tonne oak tree stump, in monsoon conditions.

Right, so put your feet up, wait for the sun to come out and have a nice cup of tea? Not for the boys out in the sticks. They don’t hang around or do things by halves.

But how do you move an old tree stump to where you want it? It’s easy when you know how…

Working with primary & secondary students to create a community garden within school grounds

We recently completed a new community garden project working with primary and secondary students and the whole community through the local community safety partnership.

The project responded to local need and had many strands including urban renewal, community development and creative learning. Year 6 children worked with older student mentors and selected a ‘dead space’ in the secondary school grounds as a excellent site for transformation.

The local community and in particular older people wanted to create a community garden and through this link we were able to establish a steering group of keen gardening volunteers who will help ensure the projects sustainability and longevity.

The learning experience of all the young people was immensely valuable and as the year 6 pupils are moving to the secondary school, it has really helped them prepare for the next phase of their education.