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Horizon English School
Horizon English School
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Other Projects by desert INK
Horizon English School
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Firm
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
In an industry often dominated by synthetic surfaces and rigid play structures, we saw an opportunity to rethink how children engage with the landscape. Following a speculative proposal to Horizon English School, we transformed underused outdoor spaces into nature-rich environments that prioritise organic interaction, imagination and environmental stewardship over conventional playground design.
The project began by reimagining the school's forecourt, transforming an exposed hardscape into a shaded landscape of native and adaptive planting that serves as both a welcoming arrival space and an outdoor learning environment.
Our most significant intervention was Horizon Haven, created by reclaiming a redundant parking area beneath the school's elevated sports court. Using the existing structure for natural shade, we created a comfortable play environment without the need for additional canopies.
Rather than relying on manufactured playground equipment, we designed a landscape where the landform itself becomes the play experience. Sculpted hills, sand, weathered logs and boulders encourage climbing, balancing, exploration and imaginative play. Bespoke play elements were handcrafted from reclaimed branches supplied by the school's maintenance team, reinforcing our commitment to resource-conscious design and creative reuse.
At Horizon English School, we demonstrated that meaningful play doesn't depend on expensive equipment. By combining ecological thinking, natural materials and child-centred design, we transformed overlooked spaces into vibrant landscapes that foster curiosity, wellbeing and a lasting connection with nature.
The project began by reimagining the school's forecourt, transforming an exposed hardscape into a shaded landscape of native and adaptive planting that serves as both a welcoming arrival space and an outdoor learning environment.
Our most significant intervention was Horizon Haven, created by reclaiming a redundant parking area beneath the school's elevated sports court. Using the existing structure for natural shade, we created a comfortable play environment without the need for additional canopies.
Rather than relying on manufactured playground equipment, we designed a landscape where the landform itself becomes the play experience. Sculpted hills, sand, weathered logs and boulders encourage climbing, balancing, exploration and imaginative play. Bespoke play elements were handcrafted from reclaimed branches supplied by the school's maintenance team, reinforcing our commitment to resource-conscious design and creative reuse.
At Horizon English School, we demonstrated that meaningful play doesn't depend on expensive equipment. By combining ecological thinking, natural materials and child-centred design, we transformed overlooked spaces into vibrant landscapes that foster curiosity, wellbeing and a lasting connection with nature.
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