École Trille des Bois provides a curriculum based on the Steiner-Waldorf philosophy and places nature at the heart of learning... our site was a parking lot, no storm sewers, and not much nature!

A design charrette with students gave us some guiding design principles- spaces for each age group, physical play, gathering spaces, quiet rest areas, and we found out that fort building was a key year round activity. The yard should also reflect their studies, which includes Canada’s indigenous cultures.

A large hard surface area was constructed with permeable paving, allowing storm water to absorb into the soil. The yard is encircled by a walking circuit which includes loggy benches and planters to sit on. The play huts provide social spaces and opportunities for loose parts play. Nature based structures are used for climbing, balancing and sliding. Carvings of “animal friends” appear throughout the yard.