THE LAKES SCHOOL

Location

South Morang, Victoria

Client

Oaten-Stanistreet Architects

With Oaten-Stanistreet as the building Architects, UELA was responsible for the design of the outdoor play and learning environments for both campuses of The Lakes School - the Primary to Grade 4 Campus and the Grade 5-9 Campus. The northern growth corridor is fortunate to have significant remnant Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red-Gum) dotted throughout the landscape. The Lakes P-4 Campus is no exception and these magnificent trees form the centrepiece to much of the landscape development. With a minimal budget the brief was to create individual class room breakout spaces to provide an informal learning environment. The design has allowed for the later addition of play sculptures. The planting palette was strictly native and indigenous species to provide a cost effective solution but to also protect the gene pool of local species and importantly, give the plant material its best chance of survival in a time of drought.