Trafalgar Junior School – Twickenham
Modernising a play area with vibrant colour
Our Clients Vision
Our client had an existing play area that needed modernising to provide a vibrant colourful play area.
The modernization was part of a wider initiative to encourage more parents and pupils to walk to and from school. To support this, the client also wanted to create clearly defined walking routes into and out of the schools which incorporated ‘scooter’ tracks for the children to follow.
We had a limited and fixed budget we had to work within.
Our Design
As always, we sat down with the client and discussed their requirements and an early design idea. Our suggestion for dividing the play area to suit different age groups was particularly well received. After a few minor changes our initial design was accepted.
The design consisted of painted areas, colour coded to delineate the walking routes, and the scooter tracks from the play areas. We incorporated raised sandpits and planting areas divided by picket fencing to accommodate for the different year groups using the area at the same time. We also created a decking area with a colourful ‘welly boot’ storage area.
The Site Period
The client requested we conduct the construction work during the school holidays, so as not to cause any disruption to the school day. We agreed a three-week timescale and the project was delivered on time.
The Challenges
The main challenge was dealing with an existing slope on the site. We used decking to level the slope, and to remove a step down outside a classroom door, providing a level transition from the classroom to the play area.
Another challenge could have been the weather, as we needed dry conditions to allow us to paint the tarmac surfaces. We had contingencies built into the plan in case the weather was bad, but the weather held and there was no problem in completing the painting according to plan.
The Completed Project
We were delighted with the results, seeing the difference and being able to turn a dull and empty area into an inviting, colourful play space was very satisfying.
The client was very happy with transformation and in the way the project was delivered, and informed us that, on their return from the school holidays, the pupils and parents were pleasantly surprised and excited to see a very different play area.
Get started today!
Tell us about your vision
We’re very happy to chat with you about your school playground ideas and answer any initial questions that you may have about Theories Landscapes, so why not give us a call or send us an email, it costs you nothing and could be the start of something wonderful that enhances your school and your pupils’ lives for years to come..
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