The Hendrik de Cock School in Ulrum (NL) has a nice spacious schoolyard, but it certainly needed updating. In 2021, the schoolyard has had a complete refurbishment with natural materials. The wish was to reuse existing parts and existing materials where possible, and to create a natural look for the whole, with sufficient challenge and opportunities for movement for every child. Our vision (and advice) for the schoolyard design matched the wishes of the school. In the final resolution, every type of child was provided the space in the schoolyard where it feels most comfortable.
Natural Play
For the design of this schoolyard, a design has been made for natural play with elements for moving learning. With a great diversity of play values, this new design can be used in all directions. A design has been made for the part of the square where the young children play and a separate part for the older children. We looked at both age categories and game types. You can climb, slide, swing, hide and play sports on the playground. The sandbox occupies a central position which also functions as a roundabout in the newly constructed play traffic area. By using bark as a substrate, planting new trees and plants, and using all natural wooden materials on the square, the schoolyard has the natural look that was requested.
Circularity and reuse
Refurbishment does not always mean that all parts of a schoolyard have to be overhauled or have to make way for new ones. Many materials that are still perfectly usable have been re-processed in the design. For example, ground tiles from the square have been reused as tree protection and now function as a tree bench. Sand from another part of the square has been reused as a slope for a play hill with crawl tube and ramp climber.
With the renovation conducted, this schoolyard is ready for years of playing and exercise fun. A schoolyard where children can also learn a lot outside the classroom and develop themselves!
Are you also looking for a sustainable and natural interpretation for your schoolyard? Please contact us for the possibilities for your project in the field of schoolyard design. Or take a closer look at our website. Here you will find even more inspirational projects!
Location: Ulrum
Client: Hendrik de Cockschool
Design & execution: BOERplay