Inspiring nature-filled learning space at Santa Sabina College

Rohrig recently completed an inspiring new outdoor learning precinct at Santa Sabina College’s Junior School in Sydney’s inner west, creating a dynamic space that supports learning and play for College’s the youngest students.

The covered outdoor learning area itself combines learning and play with innovative features like a louvre system, angled to provide maximum sunlight in winter and shade in summer and an array of soft mounds to encourage active and imaginative outdoor play.

We delivered this exciting development in collaboration with project managers Pier Property Corp and architects M3architecture, transforming the College’s outdoor space. The result is a state-of-the-art learning precinct that thoughtfully connects students with the natural environment, their faith, and their creativity.

The project began with the removal of the existing play area, making way for a completely new playground featuring equipment all the way from Denmark. The design seamlessly integrates learning with nature through unique elements, including functional riverbeds that serve as both a creative play area and a natural drainage path, while sandstone boulders surrounding the playground spark curiosity with circular resin-filled cutouts displaying floating insects.

A standout feature is the intricate footpath that threads through the space, shaped like rosary beads with prayers and donor plaques placed along the walkway, instilling a sense of faith throughout the re-envisioned precinct.

The covered outdoor learning area itself combines learning and play with innovative features like a louvre system, angled to provide maximum sunlight in winter and shade in summer and an array of soft mounds to encourage active and imaginative outdoor play.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was engaging with the students directly throughout the construction process, with a site tour and Q&A session for Prep to Year 4 students. The Rohrig Team also installed white A-Class hoarding with special viewing windows, allowing students to safely watch the project unfold. The students even added their own unique touch, painting the hoarding as they watched the new learning space come together.

“We are passionate about building educational facilities that look to the future, with innovative materials and features like those found here,” said Rohrig Construction Manager, Dane Malone.

“From the rosary bead footpath to the new-age playground equipment, every element was special. The best part though was sharing the process with the students, which reminded us all why we love building these incredible learning environments.”

Throughout the 27-week programme, our team ensured the College remained uninterrupted. This was achieved through careful planning, restricting work vehicle movements during the busy pick-up and drop-off times and isolating the site from other learning areas.

Rohrig is a trusted partner in education, having completed countless successful projects around the East Coast of Australia. We are proud to have partnered with Santa Sabina College to deliver this exceptional facility that will inspire students for many years to come.