As this community building has no surrounding land, or access to external space, the existing flat roof offered the best opportunity for improving the existing play and educational facilities. Access to the roof garden is to be provided by a new stair, providing easy access from the existing nursery.

The roof garden structure has been designed with structural engineers Sinclair Johnston and Partners. A series of timber arches create a sheltered space that can be used in a variety of ways to stimulate children’s imagination and provide a dynamic place for play. Shelter and shading is provided by a tensile fabric structure attached to the arches, while a steel and timber balustrade with a lightweight steel mesh above provides the necessary protection. Planting will be integrated with the new structure, to create growing walls and canopies, and provide opportunities for growing fruit and vegetables.