Designing the landscape for this brand-new pre-school in Upper Hutt was a project close to my heart - not just because it was a fresh, exciting concept in early childhood education, but because it was the very pre-school my own child was about to join. Knowing the space would become part of my family’s daily life made it even more special to create an environment that was both nurturing and inspiring for all the tamariki who would play, learn, and grow there.

This pre-school has a unique ‘pod system’ - a new way of teaching that revolves around small, open-ended learning spaces where children can explore and engage freely. The building and grounds were designed with these pods in mind, and fortunately, the landscape had existing “bones” or structured zones that naturally coordinated with each pod. Our brief was clear: the outdoor environment had to feel deeply natural, encouraging children to connect with nature through every aspect of their play and learning.

To bring this brief to life, we incorporated plenty of driftwood elements throughout the space. Driftwood is such a beautiful, tactile material that immediately softens harder urban elements. We used driftwood pieces to break up the concrete pathways, creating a visual and physical transition that felt more organic and inviting. Driftwood fencing further framed the play zones, adding texture and a sense of calm that blended seamlessly with the greenery.

Water play was a key feature - something I personally championed because of how fantastic it is for developing young brains. Playing with water encourages sensory exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative play, all critical in those early years. The water areas were carefully designed to be accessible, safe, and interactive, offering endless possibilities for creative learning.

We also transformed bare corner spaces into edible garden areas, turning underutilised spots into vibrant gardens bursting with herbs, fruit, and vegetables. All the hedging planted around the courtyard was edible too, so children could literally engage with their environment by smelling, tasting, and learning about the plants as part of their daily play.

One particularly fun feature was the use of vertical SED’s for rope play. These climbing structures add an exciting physical challenge while encouraging coordination and confidence. We wanted the kids to feel free to test their limits safely, and the ropes gave them just that opportunity.

To add warmth and a sense of gathering, we introduced ‘fake’ log pile firepit areas. These spaces don’t have real fires - keeping safety paramount - but offer a cosy place for storytelling, circle time, or quiet moments. Everything in the design was carefully considered to remain natural and child-friendly, blending seamlessly with the educational ethos of the pod system.