Moa Kids is a not-for-profit community-based preschool in Redcliffs, Christchurch. The centre’s philosophy is grounded in community and the importance of self-choice and free play, in which nature plays a big role.
The project was a full refurbishment of the much-loved nursery garden that supports a wide range of physical abilities, from babies who sit and watch, crawlers who love to explore and young toddlers who are very physical.
Many of the children are walking and running, and are very capable on bikes and scooters. A dedicated active circuit around the garden perimeter of the space encourages movement, allowing for more passive and relaxed uses in other spaces.
A key design focus was creating a ‘miniature world’ filled with rich sensory experiences. The proposed plant palette encourages exploration through a sensory garden with fragrant and edible species, including lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, strawberries, and nasturtium.
To withstand the impact of dozens of little feet each day, artificial turf provides a softfall area in the centre for various activities. A mature tree was retained, and the concept minimises construction disturbance to the root zone of the tree by building surfaces above the natural ground level and creating a timber deck to protect the root zone.
The most rewarding part of this project has been the input from the passionate teachers, and being able to help put their vision into reality by incorporating ‘teaching opportunities’ into the design and ways of inspiring delight in the children.
