BestStart Naenae

BestStart Naenae_DJI_0022-Pano-Edit copy

For BestStart Naenae the development of a new playspace was an opportunity to add more play, learning, and fun to their busy Early Learning Centre.

Client:

BestStart

Location:

Naenae, Lower Hutt

Circa Budget:

$190,000

Centre manager Emma Barber wanted an outdoor space that was inviting, practical and allowed the children to extend their physical development.

She was also wanted to prioritise flexible play areas where moveable play items could be used interchangeably.

Emma became aware of Creo after her project manager recommended the ‘full service’ design and build company.

Through the Creo consultation process, BestStart Naenae were able to refine their plans to include two bike tracks, a sensory path, and areas for ball games and flexible play.

Due to some weather issues, the playground took longer than expected to build, but once the turf and soft fall track was laid, Emma saw the space starting to take shape.

One aspect of working with Creo that Emma particularly liked was how accommodating the Creo team were and how quickly they responded in making small changes to the plan as required.

The result is a playground that ticks all the boxes for Emma and the centre’s children.

“Our playground is awesome. The infants love their sensory path and the older children spend most of their time on the bike track,” says Emma.

Overall, Emma has had great feedback from parents and the local community. In particular, people love how open and safe the new space feels.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

Bright Beginnings

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113843_900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113711_900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113507_900x600

Bright Beginnings_WhatsApp Image 900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113226_900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113849_900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_114049_900x600

Bright Beginnings_20200129_113840_900x600

Bright Beginnings required three age-appropriate playspaces for their new centre in Hamilton. Looking to combine a natural look with flexible play spaces, they chose Creo to help with the design and build.

Client:

Bright Beginnings

Location:

Hamilton

Circa Budget:

$160,000

To achieve the ‘natural look’ the centre wanted, Creo used a range of sustainable and locally sourced timbers for the fences, furniture, borders, and various play items.

And with ‘natural look’ synthetic surfacing, Creo were able to carry the natural theme throughout the entire space.

For the elder children’s area, a peripheral bike track surrounding a cushioned play turf was introduced to allow for flexible box setup and more robust play options.

This was then extended with a small concrete loop for additional bike play.

To bring more play elements into the space, a large sandpit with a natural timber water play feature was added to the far corner.

Log steppers were placed at the edge to help divide the space.

For the two junior areas, a central sandpit and fence was added to divide the space. Bike tracks were installed in both spaces and sensory pathways designed to provide stimulating ‘touch’ play experiences.

Additional play was added with balance logs being hidden throughout the gardens for children to find. Large shade sails were installed to allow for maximum use of the play area during sunny days.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

Community Kids Clendon

For Community Kids Clendon it was important to create an open and inviting outdoor space that could be used for various play and learning activities.

Client:

Community Kids

Location:

Clendon Park, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$130,000

To achieve this, Creo delivered a design that balanced flexible play with the more traditional set play spaces to create a range of opportunities for learning and robust play.

To create the flexible play area, Creo created a cushioned turf area.

Here, moveable play items, such as boxes, can be set up and changed daily. Adjacent to this space, a feature slide and mound was introduced and the entire ‘island’ is surrounded by a soft bike track loop.

Additional play value was activated in the space through the placing of more traditional play items. A sandpit with water play log and mud kitchen creates the opportunity for messy play where children can role-play and experience various textures.

Additional play value was activated in the space through the placing of more traditional play items.

A sandpit with water play log and mud kitchen creates the opportunity for messy play where children can role-play and experience various textures.

Low traffic areas at the corner of the main building were lifted through the addition of connecting elements of a stone pathway and planter boxes.

This, as well as the placement of a wooden Waka, provide exploring and adventure play.

The new space gives Community Kids Clendon an inviting, flexible and low maintenance space with plenty of play options for their children to enjoy all year round.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

JustKidz Kelston

JustKidz Kelston’s playspace is situated on a second-floor balcony. That made designing and building the new playspace a challenge for the Creo team, but one we were excited to accept.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Glen Eden, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$250,000

Creo was given the task of creating an exciting, active outdoor space within the long narrow confinements of the second story balcony.

Using the interesting shape of this space to her advantage, she created a layout divided into different sections which delivered different play types.

To make use of every inch of space, Creo opted for multi-use areas with flexible play equipment that can be moved to create larger open plan spaces.

These multi-use areas were enhanced with a variety of bright surfaces which provide texture and added play value and aid in the development of sensory play which can help develop brain function, social behaviour, and fine motor skills such as balance and spatial awareness.

This surfacing also works as a safety surface by meeting critical fall height requirements for the centre’s flexible play equipment.

The surfacing and changeable play equipment was complimented with carefully considered fixed play equipment such as Whares, Wakas, sandpits, secret circles, and an outdoor kitchen; all of which offer a multitude of play types and experiences as well as helping to divide the space.

Combining the fixed structures alongside with flexible options makes for a varied and adaptable playspace that has plenty of play for all.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

JustKidz Albany

JustKidz Albany is a large purpose-built early learning centre located on Albany’s William Pickering Drive.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Albany, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

The playspace build was an ambitious project from the beginning. This was because it was surrounded on three sides by large buildings, presenting a real challenge to the Creo design team to create an inviting and warm playspace from such an urban situation.

Through the placement of natural wood fencing and shade sails, the Creo team was able to block out the surrounding buildings and with the help of colourful surfacing, play equipment, and planting, were able to establish a bright playful mood within the space.

The inclusion of natural timber decking, mulch, Fale and waterplay structures help to further soften the feel of the space.

The outcome is a playful oasis at the heart of the surrounding industrial park.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

KIDSpace

The new playspace design at KIDSpace has really added play value with features like level changes creating open-ended play.

Montessori Oamaru

Montessori Oamaru wanted to create a modern playspace using completely natural materials.

The design required a high level of inter-age socialization, providing plenty of play opportunities all whilst being safe for the children.

Client:

Montessori Oamaru

Location:

Oamaru

Circa Budget:

$140,000

When we were first approached to complete the playspace design and build at Oamaru Montessori, the site was a completely blank slate. A purpose-built modern learning environment was just starting to be built and our client wanted a natural playspace to work with the design of the new building.

The design aims to provide a space where connections and respect for nature is developed, by playing and caring for planting areas, gardening, trees and natural materials.

The design is simple, but structured so that the children are free utilize their creativity to choose or change how they use the environment for their own activity.

A large central lawn facilitates this free play space and circuiting path allow children to access all areas of the site directly and easily, while being a play feature itself.

Creo was able to support the client through this design by creating a flexible, adaptive, natural space. The benefit in our design and build capacity was that the design was able to be created while working to the clients budget and providing thought into the future maintenance and life of the playspace, that will grow and change with the centre as they develop.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

JustKidz Flat Bush

Just Kidz’s newest early learning centre at Flat Bush has a brand new playground that compliments the modern, stylish design and feel of the centre itself.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Flat Bush, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

When Just Kidz needed a playspace designed and built for their newest early learning centre at Flat Bush, they weren’t completely sure how to approach the project.

Just Kidz’s Operations Manager, Vanessa Henry, says they were looking for something special.

A company who could provide a quality product and finish, as well as design.

“We were looking for an innovative playground, with aesthetic appeal and great functionality for children to gain maximum benefit.”

In the past, they had worked with traditional playground surfacing companies to create their outdoor areas. But some of these companies’ products hadn’t lasted well and the team at Just Kidz felt that the surfaces and designs lacked imagination.

Just Kidz’ Director, Gavin Muldoon, had previously worked with Numat, Creo’s parent company, and felt that the company was the only one who had delivered the level of quality they needed. Given that the Creo team was able to develop the playground designs and Numat provide the key products, Vanessa and Gavin were confident they were heading in the right direction and that Creo and Numat could deliver the playspace they wanted and envisioned.

“We were very impressed with plans drawn up by the design team, Creo. The products were clearly high quality and careful thought and creativity had gone into the project. We were able to add to the plan and adjust it to suit our preference and the design team easily incorporated our ideas,” says Vanessa.

Due to the project being a new build, Just Kidz wanted the outdoor area to complement the new buildings on the site. These were open, modern and stylish, so it was important that the outdoor areas continued this feel, working with the indoor space to allow for a seamless transition and for full utilisation of the available space.

Furthermore, Vanessa and her team also wanted to beautify the space by incorporating natural elements whilst offering challenges, space and areas of interest for children to explore and discover.

From a design perspective, this was great news, as it allowed the design team to focus on creating a space that integrated natural play opportunities, sensory areas, challenge, and experimental play, with hard-wearing flexible use areas.

The Creo design team worked with Just Kidz from the initial concept process, then oversaw the construction of the design which took around eight weeks.

The Centre now has two areas, one that is designated for children aged between 0 to 2 years, and the other that caters for older children aged 2 to 5 years. While separate, the two spaces allow for good visual connection between the two age groups. Both areas have large covered spaces to accommodate play in any weather condition, and surfaces are comprised of Numat Pour’n’Play and artificial turf, which are ideal for toddlers learning to walk as well as for older children running around.

Vanessa says that “the areas are totally age appropriate and enable children to choose and discover as their interest takes them.”

“It also allows flexibility in manipulating some of the larger additional structures that were purchased such as the boxes and climbing apparatus so that the teachers can further respond to children’s needs and interests.”

Although the playground only recently opened, there has been overwhelmingly positive feedback from everyone, from staff, parents, and visitors, but most importantly, from the children, who, “clearly love being in this space and explore fully each day,” according to Vanessa.

Vanessa says the playground is “a wonderful, open space that promotes visibility and safety,” and is another step forward on Just Kidz’s mission to grow and “continue to develop beautiful, high-quality centres that can serve our communities.”

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

Young World Childcare Centre

Young World Childcare Centre is in a new building in Owairaka, Auckland.

Client:

Young World Childcare

Location:

Owairaka, Auckland

The design for this north facing corner site provides children with a warm secure play space that transitions seamlessly between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The space was designed to have two separate areas to cater for children aged between 0 to 2 and 2 to 5 years.

Although they are separated, the design ensures a visual connection between the two areas.

The focus for both areas was to create flexible outdoor spaces that provide a safe but challenging environment, where confidence and learning can flourish.

The Creo design team worked with the clients from the initial concept process, then oversaw the construction of the design. This process ensured the original design intent was carried throughout the project.

Due to the size and height constraints of the site, the design aimed to utilise every bit of available space and allow for easy access around the outdoor areas and between the two levels in the site. This was achieved by connecting two levels with a sloped play area.

The slope is surfaced with Numat Pour‘n’Play, a certified safety surface, allowing for the inclusion of an in-ground slide, rope climb, and rock climbing grips.

This not only provides upper body challenges, sliding and hill play but allows free-flowing play to occur between the two levels, as well exciting play opportunities.

The Pour‘n’Play sloped surface transitions at the lower level into a flat landscape turfed area. This greener area is also a safety surface and allows for different activity play configurations to occur.

To the other side of the lower level, every bit of playable space is utilised to provide a range of sensory activities from water features, planting spaces, waterplay and sand play.

Blackboard, mirrors and outdoor kitchens encourage the children to explore and be creative within this sensory area.

A raised sleeper wall cleverly helps to keep most sand within the sandpit, while also providing separation to the covered deck space, children are subtly encouraged through the design to enter the sandpit and garden area from one point only off the deck, leaving large areas of the deck free for different activities or quiet spaces to be created.

A stepped access is also provided to reach the top of the mound and viewing platform, so that the less able children are also able to easily get access to the top of the play area.

Hidden within the steps is outdoor storage space, additional to the two cedar sheds providing storage to each end of the play area.

The area above the mound provides a more natural character to the top of the site, with fruit trees, planted areas, mulched surfaces and rocks to reflect the local Maunga and lava flows of the area. This theme is also carried through in the boundary rock wall.

Situated within this upper area is a fale structure that recognises the diversity in the local community and provides a high vantage point for children to view out across the centre and look back into the centre. This structure also provides a platform for informal imaginative play.

The site’s shape and level change provided challenges but due to the multipurpose surfaces, a wide range of different play experiences and areas were created to suit the centre’s needs.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

Equippers Early Learning Centre

“We’ve been able to present a World-class playspace that kids are just going to enjoy for many years.”

Client:

Equippers Church

Location:

Manakau, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

Equippers Church in Manukau was experiencing growing pains.

The popular Auckland church had seen significant growth and consequently they were running out of space for their kids programme.

So, when the property next door came up for sale, church Pastor, Barrett Ruakere, saw an opportunity to expand the church and create some space for the congregation’s youngest members.

Soon though, that vision had grown, and what had started out as a solution to the problem of not having enough space for the kids programme, soon became the starting point for a radical vision of a Bible-based Early Learning Centre.

“I saw the for-sale sign go up on the property next door and I felt that this was a property that we really needed to own. Very rarely does a property come up right next door to your church and so from that vision, it sort of launched into what is now an early learning centre for children,” says Barrett.

Initially, the church found a construction company to help them develop the space. This led to the selection of Lifestyle Architects for the design of the facility and it was through Lifestyle Architects that the church first heard about Creo.

Barrett and the church leadership had a striking vision for the centre. They wanted to reproduce some of the great stories of the Bible to provide physical reminders and reference points that could be used for teaching and inspiring young minds.

“I sort of had in my mind, five features that were key. So, we started with things like Jonah’s Whale, things like Joseph’s Dream Coat.

So, rather than ordinary shade sails, our coloured shade sails have a biblical theme and that’s running above the kid’s heads, so we can always reference that.”

“The Creo construction team and design team were pretty cutting edge. They were doing things that hadn’t been done in other centres. "

“They were very inclusive of what we were trying to achieve and adaptable in how they could achieve our goals through their design works and construction,” says Barrett.

“The partnership was really key for me because I was being heard and the vision was being translated into the technology and construction methods that were available.”

To achieve this level of accordance between purpose and design, it was important that Creo listened to the Church leadership and provided sound advice on the design while remaining open to innovation.

The finished play space is a marvel to behold.

Upon entering the centre’s grounds, the visitor is presented with a scene straight from the pages of The Book of Jonah – a Pour’n’Play whale, with fully functional water spout, emerges from the deep.

Beyond that, a sand pit and water play area are bordered by a Perspex wall that’s decorated to resemble ‘the parting of the Red Sea.’ Moving further into the over twos area there is an Ark, set in Pour’n’Play surfacing.

“The final outcome we’ve achieved here with Creo is World-class. That’s the word that stands out for me. We’ve had people come through the centre, people who have their own Early Learning Centres, and it’s inspired them. Not only have we been cutting edge in our design, we’ve been able to present a World-class playspace that kids are just going to enjoy for many years.”

Want to see more projects like this one?

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

BestStart Naenae

For BestStart Naenae the development of a new playspace was an opportunity to add more play, learning, and fun to their busy Early Learning Centre.

Client:

BestStart

Location:

Naenae, Lower Hutt

Circa Budget:

$190,000

“Our playground is awesome. The infants love their sensory path and the older children spend most of their time on the bike track,” says Emma.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

Bright Beginnings

Bright Beginnings required three age-appropriate playspaces for their new centre in Hamilton. Looking to combine a natural look with flexible play spaces, they chose Creo to help with the design and build.

Client:

Bright Beginnings

Location:

Hamilton

Circa Budget:

$160,000

For the elder children’s area, a peripheral bike track surrounding a cushioned play turf was introduced to allow for flexible box setup and more robust play options.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

Community Kids Clendon

Client:

Community Kids

Location:

Clendon Park, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$130,000

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

JustKidz Kelston

JustKidz Kelston’s playspace is situated on a second-floor balcony. That made designing and building the new playspace a challenge for the Creo team, but one we were excited to accept.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Glen Eden, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$250,000

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

JustKidz Albany

JustKidz Albany is a large purpose-built early learning centre located on Albany’s William Pickering Drive.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Albany, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

Montessori Oamaru

Montessori Oamaru wanted to create a modern playspace using completely natural materials.

The design required a high level of inter-age socialization, providing plenty of play opportunities all whilst being safe for the children.

Client:

Montessori Oamaru

Location:

Oamaru

Circa Budget:

$140,000

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.

We're here to help

JustKidz Flat Bush

Just Kidz’s newest early learning centre at Flat Bush has a brand new playground that compliments the modern, stylish design and feel of the centre itself.

Client:

Just Kidz

Location:

Flat Bush, Auckland

Circa Budget:

$200,000

“We were looking for an innovative playground, with aesthetic appeal and great functionality for children to gain maximum benefit.”

Furthermore, Vanessa and her team also wanted to beautify the space by incorporating natural elements whilst offering challenges, space and areas of interest for children to explore and discover.

Want to see more projects like this one?

Download our latest portfolio. Just fill the form and see how we design and build fun, inclusive and beautiful places for all.