Making Space for Learning

Making Space for Learning

The transformation of Mauku School combines sustainability and fun in one design. The design and delivery of the school’s new grounds by Natural Habitats (overseen by Greenstone Group) has created space for rich sensory input, and endless possibilities for exploration by the school’s 70 pupils. “The new landscape reflects the passion and enthusiasm of our staff and students” says Principal Angela Smith.

Hidden amongst green pastures Mauku School is only a half an hour drive from Auckland city. With 5 acres of open space the school has a quintessential rural kiwi feel. There is a strong connection with the outdoors, the planter boxes for student vegetable gardens, built early last year, are full of produce. At morning tea time students follow the colourful curves of their new courtyard disappearing amongst large trees and into the surrounding landscape.

However the school grounds weren’t always this picturesque. “The old grounds did not function cohesively. There was no linkage between the school’s entrance and the outdoor space around its four classrooms, the cesspits were blocked and drainage was an issue” says Natural Habitats Designer Mike Jack.

“By analysing the way the kids used their space we were able to design a landscape which utilises spatial hierarchies and transitional connections between areas, to create a cohesive space with a range of functions” says Mike. The new design also integrates well with the rest of the school grounds which are a verdant collection of nooks, crannies, fields and play spaces. “We chose Natural Habitats because we were confident with their initial plan, manner and their grasp of our requirements and deadlines” says Angela.

Sustainability was also high on the design agenda. The school has no maintenance staff so the design had to be low maintenance. “We rely on our students, teachers and the wider community to care for the school” says Angela. It seems the students agree with her; “I am going to look after our new gardens because they are beautiful” asserts Niko, 7.

The design also reinforces the importance of utilizing school grounds as a site for child development. The vibrant concentric concrete paths which create play eddies; rain swales, which collect storm water and drain into the fields; beautifully crafted circular deck and native planting palette complete with fruiting trees, all encourage environmental learning and play.

The outdoor space has become part of the fabric of learning, and the kids love it. The landscape was installed over the Christmas break in time for the new school year and “the new term has seen kids jumping over the corokia hedges with renewed vigour; they are fascinated by the little rock rivers (swales) and leaf shapes of the Pseudopanax ferox” notes Angela. However the last word on Mauku School’s new landscape goes to the kids; “everyone who comes into our school goes WOW.”

ENDS

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