GROUND iNK Landscape Architects was entrusted by the Department of Education to develop, in collaboration with Fulton Trotter Architect’s, a new landscape driven design approach that would provide students with a series of engaging, new landscaped learning and play spaces. As part of the multimillion-dollar upgrade, GROUND iNK was also charged with integrating the new design seamlessly into the dominant native vegetation of the surrounding natural landscape. The complex and sloping site is characterised by the use of benched terraces occupied by the school buildings. This stepped topography was used as the design generator for the development of the external spaces through a series of staggered courtyards and innovative play elements, integrated into the many level changes found throughout the site.

The key element of the proposed landscape design is the formal central axis which is used to connect the new school entry point to the upper school site. This central axis provides students with clear visual connection and logical wayfinding through the site allowing for a series of outdoor learning courtyards to permeate off the central spine whilst being mindful of the intersecting pedestrian routes through the site. A diverse mix of courtyards has been applied to create visual interest and to provide further opportunities to build on the existing outdoor learning facilities of the site.