Gaelscoil Cill Mhantáin

Rathnew, Co. Wicklow

The practice is pleased to have been the landscape architects for the landscape planning and full design of County Wicklow’s Irish Primary School in Rathnew, just outside Wicklow town, with around 266 pupils currently in attendance.

The design includes the extensive paved reception area that incorporates an entrance ramp providing universal access, bike parking and associated planting.  A unique paving design was provided for this zone and this provides a safe place for parents to collect their children.

To the rear of the school, a playground design using brightly coloured EPDM safe play surface throughout went through several iterations eventually resulting in a relatively simple but eye-catching design incorporating a play ramp, raised vegetable planters, modern metal benches and diverse planting around the perimeter in a large raised timber bed; all these elements are intended to give an interesting and unique play experience for the children that encourages creative play

Alongside the above and in between a split-level arrangement of 2 Multi Games Areas (MUGA), we designed a series of garden spaces with seating and planting, all connected via a universal access ramp.  This feature provides an interesting walk and gives smaller break out space opportunities for individual students or smaller class groups to enjoy.

A timber terraced feature incorporating plants was designed with a view over the lower basketball pitch.  This provides an opportunity for class gathering outdoors, and can be used fort classes, the annual class photograph, outdoor choir practice or viewing the basketball game.

Alongside other general planting around the perimeter of the school that includes native tree and shrub species, there are other arrangements that soften various parts of the building and playground.