Primary School Play Ground Design
William Morris Primary School
Courtyard Development Project
Designer - Nigel Abbey Design Consultants
Contractor - Garden Builders Ltd
The Design Brief
William Morris Primary School was originally built in the last part of the 20th Century of red brick and brutal architectural minimalism. The school gym situated right by the entrance path is completely featureless brickwork and measures some 14m x 14m x 6m (h). The school is located by a large council estate on one side and a 1930 housing estate on the other. Even relatively local residents were unaware of the school's existence due to the obscured entrance. The brief was to give the school a visually noticeable and more appealing facade. The inner courtyard approached from the narrow path was reminiscent of a commercial loading bay for HGVs. The brief was to transform this into an exciting 'oasis' where children, parents and staff could enjoy as a meeting point and also use as a teaching and learning environment.
The Design Concept
William Morris Primary School in the London Borough of Merton was named after the famous 'arts and crafts' designer and writer who had a workshop in Merton Abbey Mills. He was famous for his floral repeat patterns in fabric and wallpaper designs in the late 19th century. His designs are still popular today.
The concept was to clad the gym building with a giant William Morris print. A lattice of timber battens achieved this with aluminium laminated panels fixed to it (Specialist building cladding by PPM). This had the effect of softening the brutal architecture and making it into a local landmark.
The inner courtyard was transformed by laying coloured artificial grass in a William Morris inspired pattern, also resembling an oasis in the middle of a sandy desert. Sculptural 'Amesbury' reinforced concrete benches echo the curves and represent natural stone outcrops protruding from the central 'oasis'.
Square 'Barcelona' planters (1,000 x 1,000 x 450) made from 100% recycled material are positioned on the 'oasis' - adding texture and natural foliage to the space.
The Outcome
The children, parents and staff can now happily meet and enjoy the space at dropping off and picking up times. The area is also a pleasant and safe space to use as a teaching and learning environment during class times. A presentation cabinet is located under the cloister area where pupil's project work on the life and times of William Morris can be displayed. The adjacent dining hall has bi-folding doors, which open up to the now vibrant and stimulating exterior space.
The school has already experienced a positive change in parents and children's perception and 'ownership' of their school. It is now a truly communal space, which can be enjoyed by all.
- See more at: http://www.gardenbuilders.co.uk/section/491/1/primary-school-play-ground-design#sthash.nA1Ic2gb.dpuf
Courtyard Development Project
Designer - Nigel Abbey Design Consultants
Contractor - Garden Builders Ltd
The Design Brief
William Morris Primary School was originally built in the last part of the 20th Century of red brick and brutal architectural minimalism. The school gym situated right by the entrance path is completely featureless brickwork and measures some 14m x 14m x 6m (h). The school is located by a large council estate on one side and a 1930 housing estate on the other. Even relatively local residents were unaware of the school's existence due to the obscured entrance. The brief was to give the school a visually noticeable and more appealing facade. The inner courtyard approached from the narrow path was reminiscent of a commercial loading bay for HGVs. The brief was to transform this into an exciting 'oasis' where children, parents and staff could enjoy as a meeting point and also use as a teaching and learning environment.
The Design Concept
William Morris Primary School in the London Borough of Merton was named after the famous 'arts and crafts' designer and writer who had a workshop in Merton Abbey Mills. He was famous for his floral repeat patterns in fabric and wallpaper designs in the late 19th century. His designs are still popular today.
The concept was to clad the gym building with a giant William Morris print. A lattice of timber battens achieved this with aluminium laminated panels fixed to it (Specialist building cladding by PPM). This had the effect of softening the brutal architecture and making it into a local landmark.
The inner courtyard was transformed by laying coloured artificial grass in a William Morris inspired pattern, also resembling an oasis in the middle of a sandy desert. Sculptural 'Amesbury' reinforced concrete benches echo the curves and represent natural stone outcrops protruding from the central 'oasis'.
Square 'Barcelona' planters (1,000 x 1,000 x 450) made from 100% recycled material are positioned on the 'oasis' - adding texture and natural foliage to the space.
The Outcome
The children, parents and staff can now happily meet and enjoy the space at dropping off and picking up times. The area is also a pleasant and safe space to use as a teaching and learning environment during class times. A presentation cabinet is located under the cloister area where pupil's project work on the life and times of William Morris can be displayed. The adjacent dining hall has bi-folding doors, which open up to the now vibrant and stimulating exterior space.
The school has already experienced a positive change in parents and children's perception and 'ownership' of their school. It is now a truly communal space, which can be enjoyed by all.
- See more at: http://www.gardenbuilders.co.uk/section/491/1/primary-school-play-ground-design#sthash.nA1Ic2gb.dpuf
