Gilgai Plains Primary School Case Study | Castle & Cubby

Case Study: Gilgai Plains primary school, VIC

A school with growing pains

Gilgai Plains primary school, overwhelmed by rapid growth and craving connection, faced a challenge as enrolments doubled to 824 students in just three years, leaving their outdated play spaces unable to keep up—stifling creativity and collaboration in a community desperate for both.

The Challenge

Gilgai Plains Primary School wanted to create outdoor spaces that inspired imagination, collaboration, and hands-on learning. However, their existing play areas offered limited opportunities for purposeful engagement and connection with nature. Educators sought a solution that would support play-based learning and wellbeing while aligning with the school’s values of sustainability and student-led exploration.

The Solution

Castle & Cubby partnered with Gilgai Plains Primary School to design a custom Cubby House Village, a dynamic play space featuring six themed cubbies, including a vet clinic, fire station, and food truck, along with bespoke decking.

The goal was to blend imaginative role-play with real-world learning, tailored to meet the needs of a rapidly growing school. Working closely with the leadership team and Student Action Team, we incorporated their ideas to create a vibrant “high street” atmosphere that mirrors community life. Using sustainable materials and thoughtful design, the project maximised the existing landscape, including pathways and mature trees, to encourage fluid, supervised play across an open, engaging space.

The Results

With Castle & Cubby’s custom-designed Cubby House Village, the school now enjoys a dynamic environment that fosters creativity, social connection, and curiosity. Educators report increased student engagement, smoother transitions between play and learning, and a stronger sense of community pride. The new spaces have become an integral part of daily school life, a living classroom where learning truly happens outdoors.