177 SETTLEMENT ROAD, COWES

Cowes Primary School 2020-2022
Collaboration: Project 12 architecture
Construction: Becon Constructions and Grandview Landscapes
Photos: Rory Gardiner

The Cowes Primary School was revitalised from a neglected nature reserve by inserting a gym building into its northern edge. 1292 indigenous plants were planted into the edges to create a strong buffer between the gym and nature reserve. The project became about presenting the nature reserve to the school community as a special place. Openings through the gym show the reserve beyond, a new outside learning space immerses the children in the landscape during music classes, and pathways into and through the nature reserve are now more accessible. Staff and students now pass through the reserve with more regularity and make more use of it during class times. Most importantly the interest in maintaintenace fo the reserve is increasing and the school community has noted the efforts the school has taken to protect the nature reserve.