Angels Care Early Childhood Centre
Client: Angels Care
Location: Morling Street, Howick
Size: 2,000 sq.m
Build: New
Year: 2023
Duration: 4 months
Videos
Photo Gallery
The vision of Angels Care is to nurture vulnerable children through education, nutrition, aftercare, and emotional support—all within a secure and stimulating environment.
Collaborating with Australian firm Urban Play, whose child-focused designs are informed by developmental psychology, we created a landscape rich in sensory engagement. Our task was to translate their conceptual framework into a South African setting using locally relevant, resilient materials and plantings.
The site was structured around three core developmental zones—physical, cognitive, and emotional play—each designed with intuitive flow and purpose. A mixed-media sensory pathway connects these zones, constructed from textured stone, cast concrete, and timber-like pavers, enhancing tactile exploration.
All garden elements were specified to withstand intense daily use, from custom-built jungle gyms to hard-wearing plant selections. Planting beds were divided into sensory categories—touch, scent, and movement—creating immersive and engaging outdoor classrooms.
To soften the contemporary architectural lines of the school, we introduced circular motifs throughout: from garden beds and play zones to the undulating lawn “hills” that have become a favourite with children at play.
Share
