Architect: Thomas Arnold School
Location: London
Designer: Living Architects
Product used: Trekker New Oak Fluted HO918
In summer 2020, Thomas Arnold Primary School transformed its car park into an interactive sensory garden for outside learning. The school needed a safe outdoor environment that offered an element of calm, whilst remaining practical.
Originally designed as a secure staff car park, the school wanted to create a dedicated space for children within the school ARP (Additional Resource Provision) and SEN unit. With more children in the area needing additional support, the brief was to create somewhere suitable for outdoor learning and play. 
With uneven ground and limited space, Trekker composite decking was a fitting choice for this project.
A child-friendly option, an advantage to using composite decking is that it does not rot, warp or splinter, therefore requiring little maintenance. Composite planks also benefit from being anti-slip even when wet, making it an appropriate choice for the school environment.
Ideal for outside learning, the space has been completely re-designed. The premium look and feel of the decking, along with its high-quality and consistent finish – have contributed to creating a safe space for all pupils to enjoy.
