characterised by the type of activity: outside
has topography, natural materials like logs and
rocks, climbing, running and riding, as well
as fresh air. So the natural experience can be
simulated, but it’s not really the same as being
outside and climbing a tree.”
Indoor-outdoor spaces are essential in
high-rise buildings designed for education
and care applications.
Pergolas can be a good solution, allowing
air flow and exposure to the outdoors while
ensuring protection from the elements.
Renson’s terrace coverings for example,
have been designed for high wind-resistance.
This makes them particularly suited to rooftop
terraces, where winds are higher. The company
tested its terrace coverings in Florida’s most
hurricane-sensitive coastal areas, where the
Camargue terrace covering passed every test
and received the ‘Miami Dade’ certificate.
The company also creates windproof screens
with a wind-resistance of up to 60km/hr, with an
optional wind sensor that closes the roof bladesand pulls back the screens to prevent them from
damage when the wind blows strongly. These are
once again suitable for use on rooftop terraces
and can be used on the sides of a terrace to
ensure the safety of older people and children,
and further protect them from the elements.
On the topic of safety, it is important to achieve
a level transition between indoor and outdoor
spaces, especially for children and the elderly.
One product which can achieve this is
Qwickbuild by Outdure. Efficient and low-
risk, this exterior flooring system can support
hardwood or composite decking, exterior
tiles and synthetic turf, creating a level plane
between indoor and outdoor spaces.
It has been used in a number of education
and care applications, such as RMIT Childcare
Centre and Brandon Park Ryman Aged Care
Facility. Specifically, Qwickbuild was used
to support Outdure decking and turf, used
in RMIT’s refurbished four-storey childcare
complex with play areas on an external roof
terrace and outdoor play area. In the case of theaged care centre, a 198sqm communal rooftop
area required an ultra-low height solution to
accommodate its multi-surface design. An
additional three balconies were installed using
Qwickbuild, which allowed safe transitions
between surfaces while meeting strict
compliance regulations.
While it’s important to consider what’s
in the space, it’s equally important to define
its boundaries and manage outsiders’ access
to the space.
ModularWalls’ SlimWall is a good solution
as it offers the durability and high-end aesthetic
of a render-look finish, without the high cost of
traditional rendered brick.
This product is particularly suited to
education and care applications due to its fast
installation, which significantly minimises
disruption, and its ability withstand the rigours
of play. It is also acoustically rated (delivering
an average 20dB reduction), and at heights
of up to 2.4m as well as a smooth wall face, it
ensures no one can climb in or out of the space.right Children utilising a multi-storey place space at Bundoora
Childcare Centre, also featured on page 44. Photography by
Tess Kelly. Previous Children enjoying the various physical
challenges at Eltham North Playground. Photography by Tess Kelly.With the increasing
densification of our cities,
some believe these important
spaces are being lost.
suPPliers gardiner Architects gardinerarchitects.com.au renson architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/renson outdure architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/outdure
ModularWalls architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/modular-wallsArChiTECTurE & dEsigN /PrActicAl/ jul-sEP 201982ADQ3_080_082_Outdoor_V2.indd 82 29/7/19 9:07 am