Published: 2014-05-02 15:48:13 - Exported: 2024-09-04 17:33:03 | NB | The information on this sheet once printed/exported is classed as an uncontrolled copy. The currency of the information should be checked by visiting the ESFG website prior to using the information for any purposes.

Published: 2014-05-02 15:48:13 - Exported: 2024-09-04 17:33:03 | NB | The information on this sheet once printed/exported is classed as an uncontrolled copy. The currency of the information should be checked by visiting the ESFG website prior to using the information for any purposes.

Published on NSW Department of Education - EFSG (https://dec-staging.sitback.com.au)

PS610.16

Special Function Zone

Expand All
Function and Location

Function:

  • Outdoor learning
  • Cognitive development, fine motor skills
  • Cultural awareness
  • Improve sensory perception: sensory garden
  • Environmental awareness: habitat garden
  • Kitchen garden
  • Community garden
  • Nature play

Location:
Free Play, courtyards, or a school specific location.

 

Planning

The Special Function Zone occurs when a school requests a particular type of landscape experience, for example, a sensory garden, a bush food garden, a nature reserve or an environment for students with specialised needs. This zone provides a different experience for students. Extra funding and maintenance is sometimes required for this zone

Planning Criteria and Considerations
Criteria Considerations
Microclimate

Avoid overshadowing and wind tunnels. Provide pleasant seating conditions if required. 
Context

Consider relationship to surrounding buildings - noise, function, views.
Biodiversity Recovery

Potential opportunity to plant a mixture of endemic species which are suited to local conditions and require low maintenance.
Pedestrian movement

Allow access for people with disabilities.
Shade

Provide summer shade to seating areas.
Winter solar access

Ensure planting allows sufficient natural light to key spaces in buildings.
Furniture

Consider incorporating seating on low walls.
Water

Sufficient hose cocks required for irrigation/ watering. Ensure hose cocks do not form obstacles. Other means of irrigation may be required to achieve design objectives
Erosion

Medium potential to desire lines and along main circulation routes.
Surface finish

Varied. Paving may be required under seating or in high use areas. Consider the use of synthetic grass and or rubber surfacing where soft surfaces are desirable.
Solar glare

Bright reflective surfaces to be avoided.
Allergenic plants

Plants with low potential to cause allergies due to frequent student use. 
Stormwater

Consider planting beds and turf to assist collection and infiltration of water.
Lighting

Refer Schools Facilities Standards.
Signage

Brief specific.
Maintenance

Medium level required.