Welcome to Outdoor Classroom Design, the UK’s premier choice for outdoor classroom design.

We will introduce ourselves, explain why you should choose us, highlight the benefits of outdoor classroom design, discuss our different designs, and walk you through our unique approach to designing outdoor classrooms.

We are committed to creating innovative and engaging outdoor learning spaces from initial consultation to construction and installation. Stay tuned to learn more about the exciting world of outdoor classroom design!

Who Are We?

At Outdoor Classroom Design, we pride ourselves on leading specialists in creating innovative and functional outdoor classrooms for schools across the UK. 

We ensure that each space is designed with the utmost care and consideration for the unique needs of children and educators.

Focusing on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we are dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that meet and exceed expectations, ensuring long-lasting value and enjoyment for all involved.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing us for your outdoor classroom project means investing in a space that will bring numerous benefits to the learning environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a deeper connection with nature for children.

By incorporating outdoor classrooms in educational settings, we offer a hands-on approach that enhances the learning experience by providing a dynamic environment for children to explore and learn. 

This boosts cognitive development and encourages physical activity, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Outdoor classrooms create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that contributes to a positive school environment, fostering community and well-being among students and educators. 

Focusing on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, we are dedicated to creating outdoor spaces that meet and exceed expectations, ensuring long-lasting value and enjoyment for all involved.

Benefits of Outdoor Classroom Design

Outdoor classrooms substantially benefit the educational process, providing children with a dynamic and interactive learning environment that fosters engagement, curiosity, and a love for nature.

Social and Emotional Development

Learning outdoors can enhance social interactions and teamwork among students. It provides a less formal setting for developing better communication and collaboration skills. 

The shared experiences in nature can strengthen peer relationships and build community. Outdoor activities often require problem-solving and critical thinking, fostering resilience and adaptability. These experiences contribute to well-rounded personal growth.

Enhanced Creativity and Imagination

Nature provides an ever-changing, sensory-rich environment that stimulates creativity and imagination. Outdoor classrooms encourage exploratory learning and creative play, which are essential for cognitive development. 

The natural setting can inspire artistic expression, from writing and storytelling to art and music. It also supports diverse learning styles, catering to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. This creative stimulation can lead to innovative thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

Enhanced Learning Experience

Outdoor classroom designs provide a dynamic learning environment that enhances student engagement and motivation. 

The natural setting stimulates curiosity and creativity, making lessons more memorable. It allows for hands-on activities that reinforce theoretical knowledge through practical application. 

Exposure to nature has been shown to improve concentration and cognitive function. Overall, it fosters a more interactive and stimulating educational experience.

Types of Outdoor Classroom Designs

We offer a variety of outdoor classroom designs to suit each school’s unique needs and preferences, from traditional Gazebos to modern Timber Canopies and beyond.

Amphitheatre Style

Our amphitheatre-style outdoor classrooms provide a versatile space for group learning and performances. They are designed to offer optimal visibility and UV protection for both students and teachers.

One key feature of this style is the tiered seating arrangement, which ensures that everyone in the audience has an unobstructed view of the stage or learning area, fostering better engagement and participation.

The materials used in constructing these outdoor classrooms are carefully selected to withstand various weather conditions, making them durable and long-lasting. Common materials include weather-resistant wood, steel, and concrete.

Activities such as lectures, presentations, musical performances, and outdoor classes are best suited for this configuration, as they benefit from the theatre’s acoustics and the natural backdrop of the surrounding environment.

Garden Classroom

Garden classrooms create an immersive learning environment where children can explore and interact with nature, enhancing their understanding of science and the natural world.

These outdoor educational spaces typically include various components designed to engage students in hands-on learning. 

From plant beds where children can observe the growth process up close to seating areas for discussions and group activities, garden classrooms offer a dynamic setting for interactive exploration.

Along with these physical elements, many garden classrooms incorporate interactive elements such as weather stations, composting bins, or sensory gardens. 

This allows students to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for science and the environment.

Forest Classroom

Forest classrooms offer a unique educational experience, allowing children to learn amidst nature, with custom features like Chalkboards to facilitate interactive lessons in a natural setting.

These classrooms are often equipped with log benches for seating, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of chirping birds. 

Outdoor whiteboards provide a dynamic platform for teaching various subjects, from biology to art. They encourage hands-on learning experiences and foster a deeper connection to the environment. 

The forest setting becomes an extension of the classroom, offering opportunities for science experiments, creative writing sessions, and engaging group discussions under the canopy of green leaves.

Our Approach to Outdoor Classroom Design

Our approach to outdoor classroom design is methodical and client-focused. We ensure that every project is tailored to meet the school’s specific needs while incorporating sustainable materials like Geotextile and Bitumen for durability and environmental responsibility.

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is critical in collaborating with school representatives to understand their specific needs, preferences, and goals for the outdoor classroom.

This consultation serves as a foundational stage in ensuring that the design meets and exceeds the school community’s expectations.

By gathering essential information during this phase, such as the desired outdoor classroom features, budget constraints, and safety requirements, we can tailor the design to align perfectly with the school’s educational objectives.

Site Assessment and Analysis

During the site assessment and analysis, we evaluate the school environment to determine the best location and design elements for the outdoor classroom, considering factors like terrain, sunlight, and accessibility.

A thorough site assessment is crucial as it sets the foundation for a successful outdoor learning space. Various tools and techniques are employed to accomplish this, such as topographic surveys, soil analysis, and sun path tracking. 

These methods provide valuable insights into the site’s natural conditions, helping optimise the layout and features of the outdoor classroom.

Design Proposal and Presentation

Our design proposal and presentation phase involve collaborating with partners like Pentagon Play to create detailed plans incorporating elements such as Aluminium glazing bars for improved aesthetics and functionality.

Within this phase, we meticulously outline the visual aids, material specifications, and cost estimates to convey a comprehensive project overview. 

By integrating 2D and 3D renderings, we clearly visualise the proposed design, enabling stakeholders to grasp the intricate details.

The material specifications focus on the aesthetic aspect but also prioritise durability and sustainability, aligning with the school’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

 Our thorough analysis ensures accuracy and accountability in terms of cost estimates, fostering transparency in financial planning.

Construction and Installation

Our team of skilled professionals brings the outdoor classroom design to life in the construction and installation phase, incorporating essential features like a Rainwater system to ensure sustainability and functionality.

During construction, our team meticulously follows a pre-determined timeline to ensure efficient progress with quality control measures at every step. 

We prioritise longevity and environmental responsibility by using durable materials, such as weather-resistant timber and eco-friendly finishes.

Our installation techniques are precise and characterised by attention to detail, ensuring that the outdoor classroom structure is sturdy and safe for the students and staff. 

To minimise disruption to the school environment, we coordinate closely with school officials and adjust our schedule accordingly.

What is Outdoor Classroom Design?

Outdoor Classroom Design involves creating specialised learning spaces outside the traditional indoor classroom, designed to enhance children’s educational experiences through interaction with nature and hands-on activities.

These outdoor classrooms are carefully crafted to balance nature and educational elements, fostering a holistic learning environment. 

The design principles behind outdoor classrooms focus on incorporating elements like natural light, greenery, and sensory experiences to stimulate children’s minds and creativity. 

For example, incorporating features such as garden beds for planting, wildlife habitats, and open spaces for exploration can encourage curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Outdoor Classroom Design meaningful?

Outdoor Classroom Design is meaningful because it provides students a unique and engaging learning experience. 

It allows them to connect with nature and learn in a hands-on and interactive way, which can improve their academic performance and overall well-being.

Can you customise the design to fit our specific needs and budget?

We understand that every school or organisation has unique needs and budget constraints. 

That’s why we offer customisable design options to ensure that our outdoor classrooms meet your specific requirements while staying within your budget.

How long does the Outdoor Classroom Design process take?

The length of the design process can vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. 

However, rest assured that we work efficiently and strive to complete our projects promptly without compromising on quality.

Do you offer maintenance services for the outdoor classroom?

We offer maintenance services to ensure your outdoor classroom remains in top condition. 

We can schedule regular check-ups and repairs as needed to keep the space safe and functional for students.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great Outdoor Classroom Design service.

For more information on Outdoor Classroom Design, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.