Arcadia Nursery
Arcadia is an innovate nursery designed around the concept of free-play, situated within the grounds of the University of Edinburgh. erz worked closely with staff from the nursery and university to create a space with a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
Internal spaces are complimented by a large outdoor landscape that is divided into a variety of smaller gardens. Each space is designed to promote a wide range of both structured and unstructured play opportunities. A large sculptural treehouse under the existing mature elm curves through the gardens connecting the spaces.
The garden builds upon the idea of woodland nurseries and natural play and complements the new nursery building by Malcolm Fraser Architects.
The project has won numerous awards, including a RIBA Award for Scotland, a RIAS Award, a Scottish Design Award and the Wood for Good / Forestry Commission Scotland Award for Best Use of Timber 2015.
