For the Senior School, we explored a range of landscape masterplan options focused on enhancing arrival experiences, improving pedestrian movement, creating outdoor social spaces and establishing a stronger landscape identity across the campus. New garden courts, multifunctional lawns, biodiversity rich planting and informal gathering spaces were carefully integrated to support learning, recreation and everyday school life.
At the Prep School, the landscape design drew inspiration from the surrounding Surrey Hills, creating a playful and immersive environment that encouraged exploration and discovery. The proposals incorporated undulating landforms, sculptural mounding, hidden cubby holes, natural play features and opportunities for interactive water play. Rather than relying solely on traditional play equipment, the landscape itself became the play experience.
A key element of the project was the redesign of the school’s arrival sequence, introducing new stepped access and entrance spaces that created a more welcoming and legible approach whilst responding sensitively to the character and heritage of the existing buildings.
Following the design stages, elements of the Prep School landscape were delivered by LDC Ltd, our contracting division, providing continuity from concept through to construction.
The completed works transformed underutilised spaces into engaging and memorable environments that support learning, play and social interaction. The project demonstrates how landscape architecture can create meaningful educational environments that connect children with nature, celebrate local character and enrich the everyday school experience.
Key Features
- Senior School campus masterplanning
- Prep School landscape design
- Surrey Hills inspired play landscape
- Natural play and exploration spaces
- Interactive water play
- Sculptural landforms and mounding
- Outdoor learning environments
- Heritage sensitive entrance improvements
- Biodiversity and habitat creation
- Landscape construction through LDC Ltd
Project Outcome
A landscape led vision for both the Senior and Prep School campuses, delivering distinctive outdoor environments that support wellbeing, learning and play whilst reinforcing Tormead School’s unique identity and setting within Guildford and the Surrey Hills.
