The Hills School

Sensory Classroom Courtyards Design and Construction

We received a call from an old client who had since moved schools and needed to make the last of her building project budget go a long way.

The site consisted of a series of five “backyards” off classrooms for students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities; physical disabilities; and sensory impairments as well as students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. These outdoor spaces were eroded and led to flooding of the classrooms in heavy rain. The area was in need of a total revamp.

The landscape design focused on natural processes and fundamental construction techniques. Gravity was the biggest problem, so we levelled the site where possible and directed drainage away from the courtyards using contour mounding constructed from the excess fill. With the physical challenges resolved, we turned to the functional needs of the students and teachers. Safety relating to their special needs was paramount, so great care was taken in detailing the playground elements including Retaining walls; “Time Alone” Areas; Synthetic Grass Pathways; Timber Benches; Artistic Surprises; necessary Fencing and Gates; Planting and Turfing.

The entire construction process was filmed, and featured on SBS Costa’s Garden Odyssey. ULP negotiated the donation of over $7,000 worth of water tanks and irrigation for the project, which was generously provided by the show.

Budget: less than $100,000.00.