Rangitoto College Tranquil Garden

By Get Outside

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Distinction Award from the NZILA for Design, 2013

The objective for this underused school area was to provide an inspirational space for contemplation, outdoor learning and enjoyment, while also offering the students useful and comfortable areas to gather. 

Get Outside Ltd chose materials and elements to reference the landscape of Rangitoto Island, which the college overlooks. We employed many different characteristics of water to stimulate the students’ minds; gushing from a boulder, falling over an edge, running along a "fault line", resting reflectively around the texture and shape of boulders. Plants were selected for the raised gardens to provide year-round interest, with shrubs, trees and perennials that provide colour throughout the different seasons.

As well as referencing Rangitoto Island’s volcanic geology, the design is also informed by what we perceived to be a real strength of the College; a structured school environment in which students' individuality is celebrated. Hence there is a strong geometric framework contrasted with the random character of boulders, some in groups and some alone, drifting through the spaces and loosely connected together to provide seating areas for the students to gather. The hard elements of concrete and wood are balanced with the softness of water and planting. This project was completed in 2010 and has become a treasured space for students to enjoy.

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Professionals used in
Rangitoto College Tranquil Garden

Get Outside
Get Outside
Landscape Architects
- 2020

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Get Outside

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About the
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Get Outside is a multi-award-winning landscape architectural practice, specialising since 2004 in landscape design of outdoor play and learning environments for children and their whānau.

We enjoy designing landscapes for people of all ages to enjoy living and playing in, including residential design. The environments we live in hugely impact on the quality of our life experiences, our well-being, and our delight in and connection with the world around us. We believe all children need the opportunity to explore natural environments and to simultaneously encounter acceptable risk in order to realise their own potential and confidently engage with the world around them. What is good for children is good for all of us!

We work with schools, early childhood centres, local authorities, businesses, private clients, iwi and whānau to revitalise and develop beautiful, nature-rich play spaces and gardens that support physical activity and learning outdoors. All our designs respond thoughtfully to the unique attributes and stories of a place and the aspirations of local communities to achieve the best outcomes for our tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

We are happy to work at any scale and offer a fully professional landscape architectural service from concept design through detailed documentation and planting design to contract management and overseeing the implementation of our plans to ensure a good outcome.