When the school garden teacher at my kid’s school asked if I would volunteer to design the schools learning garden I was excited by the prospect. I drew up some plans with hopes of inspiring the next generation to getting involved with stewardship of the land. The goal was to create a space were children all abilities could have access to the process of growing food, tending to soils and recognizing the human connection with the natural world. With an emphasis on edible plants, the garden also incorporates native plants, plants that attract pollinators and plants that build soil. The garden includes a composting system, and a log circle to use as and out door classroom space. Unfortunately, half way through the installation of this garden the school was closed due to covid and no one was allowed on campus for 6 months. The garden fell into disrepair. As we slowly emerge from the pandemic the school is coming back to life and parent volunteers are allowed back on to campus. With that the garden is coming back as well. The rain harvesting nets and outdoor kitchen did not end up coming into reality. But through the pandemic we learned an even grater importance of outdoor class room space and the power of engaging with the outdoor world.

Saffron Russell
This is an example of a craftsman landscaping in West Midlands.

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

New Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring by Armstrong, installed in a herringbone pattern. New quartz countertops with a Blanco Diamond undermount composite sink. Full Glass Mosaic Backsplash.

Example of a trendy home design design in Dallas

Touro Synagogue, New Orleans
This is an example of a traditional courtyard stone garden path in New Orleans.

Add a pop of color to your office or dorm decor with this fun colorblock wall calendar that helps you plan the school year in style!
Example of a trendy home office design in Boston

Example of a farmhouse home design design in New York

Photo by Glenn Wong
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun courtyard gravel garden path in Boston for fall.

The south end of the classroom transformed into a contemporary kitchen.
Example of a trendy home design design in Toronto

Close-up of accessories on dresser, artwork and hardware
Inspiration for a 1950s home design remodel in Austin

Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in Dallas

Photography by Starboard & Port of Springfield, Missouri.
Example of a large mountain style gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' study room design in Other with gray walls

This door is 15' wide x 8' tall and required a 10" thick wall for installation, as two of the panels rest against the third panel when fully open. The three season room beyond is only heated by a gas fireplace.

Photos by Simply Photography
Mid-sized arts and crafts home theater photo in Houston

Example of a trendy home design design in Dallas

Exercise/Dance Classroom - After

Photography by Starboard & Port of Springfield, Missouri.
Kids' study room - large rustic gender-neutral medium tone wood floor kids' study room idea in Other with gray walls

Kids' room - traditional kids' room idea in Houston