Best commercial build project - Luijten Landscaping

Luijten Landscaping won for its vibrant and technically ambitious redevelopment of the Otāhuhu Primary School free play area – a project that redefined a neglected site into a flagship space for active learning and inclusive adventure

The redevelopment turned an underused area into a sculpted, multi-functional landscape at the heart of the school. “The impact on our students has been immense,” said school leadership. “It has significantly boosted engagement, attendance, and modernised our school grounds.”

The judges were equally impressed.

“During a lunchtime visit, we observed students in their blue uniforms energetically exploring

the bright, mounded blue topography – balancing on subtly mobile concrete spheres and scaling the timber fort structure,” they said. “The space radiates energy and invites active play, with a thoughtful range of activities suited to various skill levels.”

Bold and practical

Designed in collaboration with Otāhuhu Primary School Principal Jenny Bernard and Associate Principal Joshua Burrows, the playground showcases Luijten Landscaping’s flair for creative construction, integrating bold forms with practical, durable surfaces. Key features include a play tower with slides, sculpted play hills and tunnels, climbing obstacle courses, rope nets, natural timber seating, and a sheltered sandpit.

The bright blue surface – both striking and durable – was designed and supervised by Luijten Landscaping designers and laid by specialist subcontractors. “The construction quality is outstanding,” said the judges. “The vivid blue surface encourages movement and exploration, while the gently shifting concrete spheres challenge balance without compromising safety.”

To ensure structural integrity of the play hills – a feature Luijten Landscaping had not previously tackled at this height – the team engaged Auckland In-ground Pools to apply reinforced shotcrete, achieving a superior finish and long-term durability. All design elements were reviewed by PlaySafe’s Adam Stride to ensure full safety compliance.

Materials were selected for sustainability, sensory richness and longevity. Planting adds shade, seasonal variation and connection with nature.

Judges praised the elevated timber platforms for their dual use as both play features and outdoor classrooms, as well as the fort structure’s sweeping views across the site.

“The playground offers rich, imaginative experiences and a distinctive aesthetic, contributing meaningfully to children’s play and learning,” they said.