We design and build smart playspaces for kiwi schools.
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We design and
creospace.co.nz
build smart
playspaces for
kiwi schools.
Designing
New Zealand’s
next generation of
.04
Contents
Bringing it all together
school playspaces.
.08 Master planning your playground
.10 Safety & compliance
After years of working in the playground building After assembling a team of some of New Zealand’s most
industry, we were tired of hearing from customers experienced playspace professionals, we set up shop
.12 Keeping play flowing who were frustrated with the complicated process in Parnell, Auckland. From here, we began planning,
of designing and building playspaces and outdoor designing, and installing playgrounds for Councils,
.13 Staying flexible learning environments. Schools, and Early Learning Centres all over the country.
The standard process of building a playground involved
.14 Maximising play value With consistency in the make-up of our team we had
working with multiple partners. Partners like landscape
continuity from project to project. As we grew, this
architects, construction companies, and equipment
.16 Sustainable choice enabled us to deliver simpler, faster, better project
suppliers. Often, these companies were siloed in
experiences for our clients.
their own areas of expertise and unable to deliver the
.18 Designer Q&A Our biggest mission when we set up Creo was to make
complete playground package.
people as passionate about playground design as we are.
.22 Selecting surfaces We decided the best way to fix this was to start our own
That is still our biggest mission today.
playground design company. A company that would
.24 Natural or artificial? Which is best? bring together the services of landscape architecture,
construction, surfacing and equipment supply, under
.26 Getting back to nature one roof.
A specialised playground design service that could
.28 Your journey
offer a greater range of design options, a simpler
Contact us on: 0800 000 334 or info@creospace.co.nz
customer experience, and ultimately, better play spaces.
Consequently, in February 2017, Creo was born.
Playspace Design + Build
4. 5.
Building a new play
space requires design,
procurement, project
Bringing
management, and
construction expertise.
Until now, bringing these
it all
services together involved
working with multiple
companies; adding time,
together
complexity, and cost to
the project.
Working in the playground installation industry for the
past 20 years, we’ve seen first-hand how this approach
almost guarantees mistakes and budget blowouts.
With so many different parties working in one space,
it can be a communications nightmare.
With our full-service approach, we’ve solved the
communications problem and eliminated the stress
clients feel when creating a new play space.
Our landscape architects work with you to match design
with your needs. Our project managers and playground
construction teams work alongside you to ensure your
design is delivered as intended.
By bringing all the necessary disciplines together under
one roof, Creo delivers better play spaces within shorter
time-frames and to budget. Best of all, Creo makes the
process simple and stress free.
“ For me personally, it was important to be working with the right people. Having people there that can support you through the process. People that were available and just a phone call away that you can have that connection with and build that relationship with. That was really important to me as Principal.” Matthew Crumpton - Principal, Orakei School
Playspace Design + Build
8. 9.
Great school grounds
don’t just happen, they
require inspirational vision
and well-grounded plan.
To create a truly great
playground you need smart
construction know-how
and the experience to bring
everything together.
But before adding more play equipment or installing a A good masterplan will help you strike the right balance
new sports turf, it pays to take a step back to have a look between flow, practicality, and play. It will also ensure
at the big picture. This is where Creo can help, by guiding accessibility, safety, and ease of management.
you through the process of creating a site masterplan.
Our designs are completed by highly experienced
The masterplan process is where we take your ideas, landscape architects who specialise in playspaces and
wish lists, site specifics, and practical considerations and outdoor learning environments. We generally provide 1-2
Master
turn them into a birds-eye view drawing of what your site designs, and these can be completed within a week or
will look like. two of an initial site assessment.
planning
your dream
playground
Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
10. 11.
Safety&
Compliance
Our approach at Creo is Poorly designed play areas lead to accidents. Design
flaws often go unnoticed until someone gets hurt and
to create challenging, yet seemingly innocuous features can present risks to
playground users.
safe playspaces. Every
During the design process, Creo considers the issues of
design and build process safety and compliance very carefully. Our experienced
we undertake complies with playground designers think about things such as the
level of exposure your site has to the elements, the
the New Zealand playground lines of sight for supervision, and the potential hazards
equipment and surfacing present in the space. They consider issues such as
possible traffic bottlenecks, high-conflict areas around
standard: NZS 5828:2015. swings, and the risk of surfacing material becoming a
tripping hazard.
Tight spaces, poisonous plants, trip hazards, finger traps,
sharp edges, steep gradients, slippery surfaces. We’ll
work with your space to eliminate these risks.
At Creo, we take all these factors into account to design
playspaces that reduce the likelihood of accidents
occurring. This careful consideration continues through
into the construction phase where our project managers
and installation teams ensure the selected materials are
100% reliable and provide the safest finish possible.
When we deliver your new playspace, you won’t find any
sharp edges. What you will find is a playspace that’s safe
by design.
Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
12. 13.
Keeping Taking
play learning
flowing outside
When thinking about designing a When thinking about designing
Traffic flow has a major flowing playspace, it’s important to ask: an outdoor learning space, it’s Introducing outdoor learning
impact on the usability and important to ask: spaces is a great way
• How do we engage children and
safety of your outdoor areas. disperse their activity across our site?
to increase the amount
• How will students and teachers
get from the classroom to the
of teaching and group-
Well-designed sites encourage free-flowing, evenly
distributed play and avoid clutter, confusion, and traffic • How do we create a range of busy and outdoor learning space? activity space available in
jams. It’s important to get the right mix of elements
as they will affect the feel of the space. Things like
quiet spaces? your school. Furthermore,
play equipment placement, visibility, pathway design, • Is the area easy for the teacher it provides a natural and
and activity zone designation are important things to • What activities will help direct children to passively supervise from open alternative to the
consider. Often, less is more.
to all corners of the site, how will they within the area itself and from
get there, and what will they discover the indoor learning area? classroom which can make
along the way? for a welcome change from
• How will the area be protected teaching indoors.
• How do you get from one area to from the elements?
another? Where desired, we can create multi-purpose learning
spaces that serve other uses outside of class time.
• How do we create a space that For example, a learning area could double as a stage
• Is the site easy to supervise? people will enjoy being in? for theatre performances, a quiet space for reading, or
a shaded area with seating where children can eat their
lunches together.
• Is it designed to feel large and open,
and not cluttered and confusing?
Playspace Design + Build
14. Often spaces are designed It takes a lot of different spaces and components to
make up an outdoor area and this is a big challenge for
15.
to appeal visually. But this schools where outdoor space is often limited. When
we work with a space, we seek to create independent
does not always equal money activity areas that operate within the space, maximising
well spent or value in terms play value while not affecting other areas.
Maximising
of play experiences for the Not every client wants or needs every type of play activity
in their outdoor area and the list below certainly doesn’t
children using the space. contain every possibility, but it gives you some idea
At Creo, we like to consider of the types of areas we often try to include in school
playspaces.
play value
that everything in your play Sandpits, seating areas, eating areas, games squares,
space has a play value court markings, natural areas, performance areas, quiet
zones, sensory areas, loose parts play, bike tracks,
relevant to its cost. gardening areas, outdoor learning spaces, breakout
areas, open space and flexible spaces.
We seek to maximise play
value by asking:
• Does an item add value
in terms of play type?
• Does it provide a different
activity or different material?
• Does it engage a different
sensory experience?
• Is this activity replicated
elsewhere on the site?
Playspace Design + Build
16. At Creo, we’re conscious that 17.
the decisions we make in
design and product selection
can have long-lasting effects
on the environment. With
this in mind, we design our
spaces for minimal impact;
focusing on the areas of
Design, Material Sourcing,
and Maintenance.
Design Material Sourcing
When we assess a space, we look at several different When selecting materials, we look for products that are
features. Firstly, we consider the surrounding fit for purpose to ensure they don’t need replacing a few
environmental parameters – things like the vegetation years later. We look to include permeable surfaces as
and landform – and devise a way to provide a space with much as possible and slope areas to drain into gardens
the least negative impact on these. where practical. As well as this, we are committed to
environmentally friendly products and sustainable
Secondly, where desired by the customer, we factor
manufacturing processes.
in sustainable practices that provide great teaching
experiences; such as rainwater harvesting, food growing, All our surfacing products are made from renewable or
natural shade provisions, composting, and worm farms. recycled materials. Our rubber surfacing is recycled from
Sustainable
We also try to include as much planting as practical. waste vehicle tyres using a clean and efficient recycling
process in New Zealand, Europe or Canada.
Where possible, we use local elements such as stone
and timber. We choose New Zealand made products Our dedication to reducing, recycling and reusing
where available and are influenced by the origins and ensures we minimise wastage as we maximize play
sustainability of timbers. spaces. This is a company-wide mindset – our work is
Choice
about creating smart, sustainable playspaces with the
smallest footprint possible.
Maintenance
When selecting products, we also look at their longevity,
as the longer the product lasts, the better it is for the
environment. We also factor in what happens to an item
at the end of its life; can it be reused, re-purposed or
recovered?
We try to avoid staining, painting, and powder coating to
eliminate the need for touch ups and recoating as they
chip and wear over time. We select appropriate grasses
and plantings that won’t need excessive watering and
maintenance.
Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
18. 19.
Designer
Q&A
An interview with Creo
Senior Landscape Architect,
Larissa Rose, BLA Reg NZILA.
How did you get started in What is most important when
Landscape Architecture? designing for schools?
I was drawn to Landscape Architecture as a design Designing in these spaces, I think it’s important to
profession due to a love of the outdoors. I went down consider creating not just an attractive playful space, but
this specialised design field because I saw the need also an underlying practicality for teachers and children
to improve the environments of our children. As we that use these spaces daily. The space and components
intensify our cities and residential spaces, there are less in it need to meet regulations to keep all of us safe and
and less high-value play areas for children to access. I most of all, it needs to meet the individual client and
would like to see more play opportunities for our children. children’s needs for the site. All these factors are vital to
creating and providing stimulating play spaces.
What can you tell us about Where do you go to get
your specialisation in play inspiration for your designs?
spaces?
I specialise in play and educational spaces from Early I am a mother of two boys and an Aunt to many, so I spend
Childhood environments, through to Schools and Public a lot of time visiting new playspaces and the outdoor
Playgrounds. I have been working in this area of design environment. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature.
for nearly 12 years and love the complexity that it brings.
Watch the full interview video at www.creospace.co.nz/interview“ We are absolutely loving the space you have created for us. I think I spend more time in it than the kids! It has been really interesting to see the effect on our children. Our staff actually like doing duty there now! We are using it for learning as well as play.” Sian Coxon - Principal, Pinehurst School
Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
22. 23.
Selecting
Surfacing Tip:
Surfacing is often overlooked as a source of play value
in school play spaces. But when you consider the range Location and selection of
of different surface types and what they offer, you materials is key in lowering
surfaces
realise how many different experiences you can create
through your choice of surfacing.
maintenance. Separating loose
surface materials like sand
Generally, we recommend schools choose to include both
artificial and natural type surfaces to gain the maximum
and bark where possible helps
benefit from each. The surfaces should encourage flow and to mitigate excessive cross
should allow access for as much of the year as possible. contamination.
Natural Lawn Mulch Sand Concrete Decking Pebble, Chip or Wet Pour Rubber Artifical Turf
Shell
Natural, low cost, but A shredded organic Sand is a natural choice Hard, permanent and easy Softer than concrete with a Natural materials, ranging Continuously poured Artificial Turf has a more
struggles in high traffic material usually used that is most often used for to maintain. Concrete more natural look. from dust size to pebbles or rubber surface with impact natural look than other
or wet or shady areas. around plants but can also its play value in sand pits. allows for outdoor furniture Decking is costlier and shells. The material in these attenuation. Huh? Basically, artificial surfaces like Wet
Natural lawns need to be used as a surface on Sand can also be used as and equipment to be set requires more maintenance surfaces is loose, so it that means it’s one piece Pour Rubber. It needs
be specifically located to other areas. Mulch requires an effective safety surface up flat. Ideal for main than concrete. It has a travels around the site and and has a cushioning effect to be laid relatively flat
reduce traffic and located in weeding and topping up in general play areas and pathways, however, it’s hard shorter lifespan too, but it is easily contaminated with that makes it a safe fall to avoid seam splitting.
optimal growth areas. from time to time. It needs under play equipment. to fall on. It can be painted looks so good that it’s worth other loose materials. surface. Permeable to water It is hotter than natural
It’s important to remember to be laid relatively flat and If well contained, sand with a surface coating for it. Can be installed on the It requires maintenance and low maintenance. surfaces and shade should
that your natural lawn might will wash downhill when provides high value, low added play value and can flat or on a slope in steps. and topping up and needs It ranges in colours and can be considered in exposed
not be usable for parts installed on a slope. maintenance surfacing. accommodate sloping to be laid relatively flat to provide ground patterning areas. It’s low maintenance
of the year and will need terrain. avoid washing downhill. for added play value. and usable all year round.
aerating and re-sowing Easily accommodates
over time. sloping terrain.Playspace Design + Build
24. When discussing outdoor While it’s important to acknowledge our own preferences
as to which of these two types suit our style and
25.
playspaces, people often philosophy, it’s equally important to have some balance.
categorise spaces into We’d like to suggest that by combining natural and
artificial materials into your playspace, your children
either natural or artificial
Natural or
will gain the benefit of being able to play with and
landscapes. experience both. That means they’ll experience more
textures, colours, interactions, and temperatures. Some
experiences will be loose and interactive, others fixed
and hard.
artificial?
Each, however, will provide their own range of
possibilities and foster and encourage different types of
play. Exposure to a wide range of materials and surfaces
gives a greater combination of sensory, physical and
imaginative experience to children.
Which is
Concrete, rubber, decking and artificial turf surfaces
help make the playground fully accessible by providing
surfaces for adults and children that might be physically
impaired. They extend the length of time spent outside in
different weather conditions and increase the available
best?
space provisions within schools during constrained
weather. They are low in maintenance and allow activities
such as ball sports, games, outdoor learning areas and
breakout zones.
Grass, mulch, rocks, planted areas, sand and loose
pebble/chip provide interactive, unprescribed
play surfaces and materials that enhance creative
possibilities of play while softening and calming
spaces. They can also provide shade and sensory and
textural experiences that extend a child’s learning and
development. Often children in cities don’t have access
to these sorts of experiences at home, so it’s essential
that we provide natural spaces for them within our
playspace environments.
Some children come from cultures that are not used
to the concept of nature play and how to engage within
it. By combining artificial and natural environments,
children from all backgrounds are catered for and
encouraged in different ways.Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
26. 27.
Getting
back There are several types of
planting groups that we look
to nature
to include within a space:
Trees: Trees are so important to providing scale within a Schools close during Holiday periods and it is often hard
We are all aware of the The thing about children and plants is that they are a
tricky combination. Children love nothing more than
space. They soften the feel of a space and may provide
habitat for wildlife. They may provide tree climbing and in
to find someone to water the plants at these times. We
look for plants that fend for themselves naturally, as well
importance of teaching jumping in and out of bushes and climbing trees, which maturity they are valued for their natural shade. as plants that may be self-spreading or are good for
takes a toll on those plants. But if balanced and placed keeping weed growth down.
children about planting, correctly, planting provides an almost limitless supply of
There are two types of trees: Evergreen and Deciduous.
Deciduous trees drop their leaves once a year and this
harvesting, and eating their fun and benefits to children and the playspace in general.
can provide a great teaching opportunity, as well as Native: Some schools may wish to have only native
own fruits and vegetables. When considering plants for your playspace, it’s providing a new play material. In the wrong place, however,
this mass leaf fall can cause maintenance issues.
plants or native areas in their playspace. Having proven
themselves in the local climate, natives are generally
important to try to provide a range of forms, textures and
colours. Plants also need to be safe, so anything that hardier than most plants. Roanga Gardens for Maori
Many schools have vegetable gardens and orchards for As the name suggests, Evergreen trees keep their
poses a poisoning or choking risk is off the list, obviously. healing and teaching or Flax Gardens for weaving can
this very reason. But what about other plants? Do children greenery all year round. They are often the preferred
also be achieved.
benefit from the planting of shrubs, trees, and flowering choice for schools as they don’t have an annual leaf
plants? We believe they do. Which means we try to drop. Interestingly, Evergreens lose just as many leaves
incorporate planting wherever possible or practical as Deciduous trees do, however, they do it gradually, Sensory: Sensory areas are important for children to
over time. This is a fact that many people overlook which allow their smell, touch and visual senses to be engaged.
is a mistake as Evergreens will require just as much Plants are chosen that can be picked and used in play,
maintenance as Deciduous trees, just spread out over such as flowers or herbs used to make a smelly potion.
the course of the year. These plants usually also encourage wildlife into the play
space. Sensory planting areas are often a quiet, calm,
Tree size is very important in play spaces. As with residential
contemplative space, that are important to include in any
properties, available space for trees is getting harder to find
busy play area.
and everyone wants a small tree. However, most trees in
catalogues are given at a ten-year mature height and can
often grow more than predicted. A good estimate for the Edible: As outdoor areas are often limited on space, we
smallest tree is to allow at least 5m for its eventual growth. want to get the most from our plants that we can. Planting
edibles is a great way to do this. They enable multipurpose
use of space, while providing all the softening and calming
Hardy: A playspace is a hard place for a plant. Constantly
attributes of a planted area, and they give back edible
getting picked at, pulled, and trampled on. Plants chosen
offerings. Edibles come in a wide range of options from
for high use areas need to be hardy, not only against
trees and shrubs which are generally permanent as
children’s physical wear and tear, but sometimes from
opposed to vegetable gardens that need re-growing.
rabbits, chickens and from well-meaning over watering or
They are great resources for teaching and cooking and
sand travel.
can extend the learning of many children that don’t have
Soft stem plants that snap are never a good choice. We productive gardens at home.
look for plants that have a bit of spring in them to handle
bumps and knocks.Playspace Design + Build Playspace Design + Build
28. 29.
.7
Your Surfacing
Journey
Once the site has been set out and new items
constructed, the surfacing occurs. During this process,
the grey rubble of the pre-surfaced site is transformed
into a bright usable area. Surfacing is a fast process but
is highly weather dependant as completely fine weather
What to expect when working with Creo. is needed before installation is possible.
.1 .3 .5Demolition and
.8
Site visit and wish list Detailed design stage site set out Final Touches
We are ready to come see your site, meet you, and Detailed design is where we take the concept The first stage of the works is to remove anything Once the surface is down, finishing touches like sanding
talk through your ideas, budget, time constraints, and and translate it into a series of layouts, levels and unwanted from the site. Areas are excavated, and the site and planting etc. are undertaken. Sheds are constructed
goals for your outdoor space. During this visit we’ll arrangement plans. Details are drawn to show how levels are readied for your new playspace. This is often the and installed, and purchased equipment will be brought
also identify any consenting challenges that will need the site is to be constructed. This is a crucial step in noisiest part of the works and we often try to organise this into position.
to be addressed in the design phase of the project - communicating to the installation team what is to be over a holiday or quiet week in your program. This is also
something that is best done earlier than later. We have built. At this stage, we also schedule out all the materials the week the children get the most enjoyment watching
a breadth of experience turning wish lists just like yours needed and set the overall project duration. the diggers and trucks. Often this is incorporated in to the
into reality for customers throughout New Zealand. schools teaching theme for the week.
.2 .4
Planning, Pricing, .6 .9
Concept stage Agreement
Structures and build up Completion
During this stage we will measure up your site or request Now that we have final construction plans, the next
a survey dependent on the site’s complexity. From here stage is to work out the timing of the construction,
Once the site is ready, the paths, play structures and Once the site is completed, a practical completion
we sketch up one or two masterplan options for your access, staging and other preplanning that allows for
other items can be started. This happens slower than review is undertaken before the site is handed over for
outdoor space to discuss with you and begin formalising the contract to be prepared. Crucial items and stock can
the demolition and involves a lot of material being your use. We then come back a month later to check
the ideas you like best. At the end of this process, we now be ordered to ensure they are ready when needed
brought to site to create the new space. everything in the playspace is working as it should be
present you with a final plan of the playspace. As well as for your job to start. We then have a prestart meeting,
before final completion is signed off.
the final concept for your site, we also present a budget where you meet the contractor who will be doing the
to complete the works. playground installation work.“ Creo came on-board and designed a playground that we thought would better suit our needs. We wanted a whole design and build and finished project. They had all the design and all the ability to deliver the programme that we wanted.” Patrick Ford - Principal, Balclutha Primary School
40 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland 1061 info@creospace.co.nz 0800 000 334 No matter where you are in New Zealand, Creo can work with you. Our Designers can meet you on site and our local site managers provide nationwide coverage. creospace.co.nz
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