Melbourne Girls Grammar School, Morris Hall
Melbourne Girls Grammar School, Morris Hall

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About

TCL was engaged by Sally Draper Architects to design a new landscape playground as part of the redevelopment of the Morris Hall, Melbourne Girls Grammar Junior School. The design transformed the existing hard-worn oval into a lawn space surrounded by playful multi- function elements.

The limited availability of space drove a design that maximised lawn area for ball games and general play, whilst incorporating playfully designed seating, climbing frames and garden on all edges. The design also dealt with site accessibility issues, providing compliant access paths in and out of the building and across the playground.

The project had long wish list of items to incorporate and the design sets up a flexible structure within the space that will facilitate the changing education aspirations over time. A concrete ‘wave terrace’ provides a fun interface to the lawn whilst satisfying the requirements for outdoor seating for assembly and learning. At the far end of the oval, timber decking negotiates a large existing oak tree, whilst providing a battened screen from the adjacent street edge. New class room spaces spill out onto a sustainability garden, directly incorporating education and outdoor learning.

Details
Client Name
Melbourne Girls Grammar School
Location
South Yarra, Victoria
Year
2010
Team
Lisa Howard
Traditional Owners
Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation
Collaboration
Sally Draper Architects
Photography
Andrew Lloyd and Trevor Mein
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TCL acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people — the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We respect their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture and recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.