Outclass-Outdoor Learning Environment

A New Outdoor Learning Environment for Tikipunga Primary School, Whangārei

Learning can happen well beyond four walls. For the tamariki of Tikipunga Primary School in Whangārei, a calm new space now sits at the edge of the school field: an Outclass outdoor learning environment (OLE), built by Cosy Cabins.

Outclass designs sensory-rich outdoor spaces for New Zealand schools, and Cosy Cabins builds them. The result is an outdoor modular building (OMB) with large bifold doors that open to the playground, a timber deck, a roll-out awning and a warm timber-lined interior. It is a place where students who find busy classrooms overwhelming can settle, focus and feel at home.

1. A Calm Place to Learn, Beyond the Classroom

Busy classrooms are full of colour, movement and noise. For many students that energy is a joy. For students who experience sensory overload, it can be overwhelming. Outclass reports that nearly 1 in 5 New Zealand children are neurodiverse, and that over 80% of primary schools it surveyed see a growing need for inclusive, nature-based spaces.

That is why Outclass creates re-regulation spaces outside the noise: places with calm, privacy and room to reset and re-engage. At Tikipunga Primary, the outdoor learning building gives tamariki exactly that, with grass, sky and fresh air right outside the door.

2. Bifold Doors, Deck and Awning: Open to the Sun

The standout feature is the wall of bifold doors. Open them and the room and the deck become one space, so a class can spread out into the sunshine or settle onto beanbags with the breeze flowing through. Close them and the building becomes a quiet, sheltered retreat.

The roll-out awning shades the deck on bright days and gives shelter when the weather turns, which keeps the space comfortable across the school year. Inside, warm timber lining and soft flooring create a gentle, uncluttered atmosphere, and the wall-mounted blackboard keeps learning close at hand.

3. What the School Says

Judy Panapa, Acting Principal at Tikipunga Primary School, says the building, affectionately known as “the cabin”, has become a refuge for students who thrive in quiet and calm. She explains that it helps students focus, engage with their mahi and regulate big emotions, and that the sun, grass and breeze make the outdoor setting a real benefit. Support staff also use the space to build meaningful relationships and provide one-to-one support.

“…a safe haven for a number of our students…”

Judy Panapa, Acting Principal, Tikipunga Primary School

4. Designed for Neurodiverse Learners

Outclass spaces are designed to honour neurodiversity. The qualities that make the Tikipunga building work are the same ones that suit many learners:

• Calm and quiet: a separate space away from the main classrooms, with a softer sensory environment.
• Natural light and fresh air: large doors and openings connect students with the outdoors.
• Flexible use: room for small groups, one-to-one support, quiet time or a reset between lessons.
• Space to add sensory equipment: Outclass offers a SensED range that includes bubble tubes, acoustic panels, hammocks, beanbags and soft rugs, so each hub can be tailored to a school’s learners.
• Connection to nature and movement: loose parts, outdoor games and hammock hangouts extend learning onto the surrounding grounds.

5. Fast Setup for Schools

School calendars are busy, so a building that arrives ready to use makes a real difference. Outclass hubs are designed to be relocatable and quick to deploy, and Outclass describes its plug-and-play hubs as often ready to use within a single day. Because the building is made off site, there is less disruption to the school grounds and to learning.

Outclass and Cosy Cabins coordinate delivery and site requirements early, so installation day runs smoothly and students can start using their new space sooner.

6. Funding Help for Schools

A great learning space can start with the right funding plan. Outclass has gathered the tools schools need to fund a hub:

• Government grants: including Ministry of Education property project funding where it applies.
• Corporate sponsorship: a Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship programme, with free editable templates for proposals.
• Community trusts and foundations: Outclass lists funders such as Trillian Trust, Foundation North, the Lion Foundation, Mitre 10 Helping Hands and the Tindall Foundation. Trillian Trust supported one of Outclass’s partner schools.
• School fundraising: events such as fun runs, auctions and donation drives, plus the support of the PTA.
• FundED: a support package for New Zealand schools that builds fundraising knowledge and confidence.

Each funder sets its own criteria, so check the details before applying. Schools can read the full guide on the Outclass funding and sponsorship page, or ask for the template pack.

7. Built by Cosy Cabins: Quality You Can Count On

Every Cosy Cabins building is designed to be warm, durable and comfortable. High R-value construction keeps the interior cosy in winter and comfortable in summer, which helps students settle and stay focused. Our usual features, such as large stacking and bifold doors, decking and roll-out awnings, suit outdoor learning spaces especially well.

Quality is checked throughout. Cosy Cabins completes comprehensive QA checks with qualified people at each stage, and carries 5 insurances to keep your project safe. Transport is insured as well, so the building arrives in the condition it left our workshop.

8. Delivered to Whangārei, Built to Serve Schools Nationwide

Cosy Cabins is based in Motueka and delivers throughout New Zealand, from the top of the South Island to Northland. Outclass also has a showroom in Nelson, so schools around the country can see these spaces and talk through their needs.

If your school in Whangārei, Northland or anywhere in New Zealand is exploring an outdoor learning environment, we are happy to help with the details of the build, delivery and installation, and Outclass can help with funding and sensory fit-out.