This natural schoolyard, designed for children 5-11 years old, introduces a nature-based approach to sports and physical activity, transforming a once conventional zone into a vibrant, multi-purpose landscape that prioritizes both movement and wellbeing. Inspired by the school’s commitment to developing the whole child and fostering global citizenship, the new designed space supports children’s health while reducing the environmental impact of the campus. By combining sport, play, and environmental design, this schoolyard reimagines physical activity as a more inclusive, engaging, and ecological experience, aligned with the school’s broader vision of cultivating independent, reflective, and environmentally responsible learners.
The design introduces a variety of outdoor sports and play opportunities, from traditional track & field elements like running and long jump, to a wooden cycling track that can be used for traffic education or simply to explore the terrain, including a new natural feature: the “Cave Hill.” Nature is not only present but integrated into every aspect of the design. The vegetation layout creates a multisensory learning landscape where children can observe and experience seasonal changes throughout the year.
Alongside its educational potential, the space was built with long-term sustainability in mind: the ground is primarily covered with permeable materials, such as gravel and paspalum grass, known for reducing irrigation needs by up to 40%. A subterranean irrigation system supports efficient water use, and all planting was selected for low-maintenance, pesticide-free care. Additionally, a diverse selection of high vegetation along the fence creates a natural boundary that contributes to the reduction of noise and air pollution as well as the protection of prevailing winds.
