Southport, Queensland
The Nest Early Education Centre in Southport engaged Wearthy to transform their outdoor learning environment into a nature-based play space that would enable children to discover, explore, and flourish through meaningful engagement with the natural world.
This award-winning design creates a series of interconnected play zones that encourage risk-taking, creativity, physical development, and deep nature connection. From climbing structures crafted from natural timber to sensory gardens filled with native plants, every element serves both developmental and ecological purposes.
Carefully selected indigenous plants that support local ecosystems, provide year-round interest, and create learning opportunities about native flora and fauna.
Climbing frames, balance beams, and play structures crafted from sustainably sourced timber that ages beautifully and invites open-ended play.
Dedicated areas featuring varied textures, sounds, and materials that support sensory integration and developmental learning.
Thoughtfully designed challenges that enable children to test their capabilities, build confidence, and develop risk assessment skills in a supported environment.
Multiple interconnected zones supporting different play types (imaginative, physical, social, and solitary) enabling children to follow their interests.
Strategic placement of shade structures and vegetation creating comfortable microclimates for year-round outdoor play and learning.
The Nest approached us with a compact outdoor space that was underutilized and uninspiring. The existing environment offered limited play opportunities and little connection to nature. Educators wanted to transform this space into a rich learning environment that would support their play-based pedagogy and enable children to develop physical competence, creativity, and environmental awareness.
The site presented several constraints: limited square meterage, full sun exposure, and the need to maintain sight lines for educator supervision while creating varied play zones.
We designed a multi-level landscape that maximizes vertical space while creating distinct play zones. Native shade trees were strategically positioned to create comfortable microclimates while maintaining supervision lines. Natural timber structures invite climbing, balancing, and imaginative play at various heights.
The garden design incorporates Queensland native plants that attract birds and butterflies, turning the space into a living classroom. Sensory gardens, mud kitchens, and loose parts areas encourage open-ended exploration. The result is an award-winning design that transforms a modest space into a rich, varied ecosystem for play and learning.
"Since the playground transformation, we've seen remarkable changes in how our children engage with outdoor learning. They're more confident, more creative, and more deeply connected to nature."
Centre Director, The Nest Early Education CentreIncreased outdoor play engagement across all age groups
Award recognition for design excellence and innovation
Enhanced environmental education and nature connection outcomes
Discover how we worked with The Nest Early Education Centre to create this award-winning space, including testimonials and design insights.
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