St Joseph’s School Tranmere
Following on from the development of a school Masterplan in conjunction with Grieve Gillett Architects, the first project realised is the reclamation of open space and the conversion of a large bitumen court, kiss and drop zone and car park into a new school frontage to Magill Road.
A sense of arrival and clear way-finding for visitors is created through tree lined avenues and a vine covered arbor, which was developed with GGA, leading visitors to the administration building. The refurbished hall adjacent provided opportunities for direct external breakout zones underneath a new arbor structure where outdoor learning spaces have been developed with landscaped rain gardens surrounding seating walls and intimate courtyards.
Challenge and risky play opportunities were the most desired play outcome of the student consultation process and this is provided through a custom elevated fort, bridge, tunnels, rope and rock climbing, along with swinging and spinning. The play experience connects to the new lawn adjacent, with a ribbon of nature based balance and coordination opportunities through the planted boundary.
“We loved WAX Design’s attention to detail and creative approach to bring a space that was once a bare and barren carpark to now a wonderous and adventurous play space for all our students to enjoy”. Adrian Grbin, Principal
‘Our top yard has been transformed into a wonderful adventure playspace with the equipment chosen by our students who workshopped their ideas with our team of architects.’ Janet Price, Business Manager
Similar projects: Immanuel Primary Playspace, St Peter’s College Junior Playspace, St Monica’s Parish School, St Thomas School, Stradbroke School