North Eastern Montessori School is a non-government co-educational school located in the suburb of St Helena. The school currently offers programmes for:

- The Toddler Community (18 mo to 3yrs)

- Cycle 1 (K-Prep)

- Cycle 2 (Years 1-3)

- Cycle 3 (Years 4-6)

Client

North Eastern Montessori School

Project Type

Outdoor & Landscape

Traditional Owners

Wurundjeri people

Completed

Anticipated 2026

Redeveloping for future growth

The school is pursuing a phased introduction of a secondary school cohort aiming to accept the first class of Cycle 4 (Years 7-9) in 2025. The secondary program at Montessori would provide a particular focus on Environmental Science, Creative Technologies and Music Program.

This project will renovate an existing Music Complex to accommodate core Cycle 4 facilities; construct a new amenities block, shelter for locker storage and outdoor learning spaces.

The project also includes the demolition of the old Art and OHSC/PMP portable buildings and redevelopment of amphitheatre space, with new permanent cover.

Linked levels of learning

Working across a level change of approximately 3 metres, the outdoor area is broken into various levels with a central focal point for more formal class activities and a sequence of smaller gathering spaces for group work, with a ﬁnal link down to the bush block behind.

The main outdoor learning space is designed as a large area for a full class, utilising tiered decked benches with an open paved circle and links to all key activity areas. There is provision for overflow with a third tier featuring rock seats, and steps linking to the classroom can also act as additional seating.

Satellite learning spaces, for group activities or smaller tasks, each feature a different material or theme, and work closely with the existing slope.

Materiality

Planting is zoned around specific features and ecological functions to form part of the curriculum. Gardens have a largely aesthetic focus within the educational framework. The main intent is to ensure as we reach the edge of the class area, all planting is from an indigenous palette to blend with the neighbouring bushland.

Hard landscaping complements the bushland setting with a strong sense of materiality and a preference for natural products including bluestone, slate, gabion rock walls and timber logs.

KDA Team

Mun Rosewarne

Acknowledgements

Landscape Architect

Stratis Landscape Architects

Photographer