CASE STUDY
The Enchanted Sensory Garden
A unique sensory garden that brings the restorative beauty of nature indoors
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The Background
Inspired by the calming and rejuvenating feel of the outdoors, the Fun and Function team dreamed of creating an immersive sensory garden. The goal was to bring the benefits of nature indoors for those who aren’t able to experience it outside.
The Vision
The team envisioned a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind sensory space that fully immerses users in the sights, sounds and sensations of nature.
The Challenge
Could the team recreate the beauty and sensory richness of an outdoor garden while ensuring every custom element would be durable, functional and suitable for an indoor sensory environment?
Designing the Sensory Garden
Every element of the garden was thoughtfully arranged to create an inviting, cohesive environment that offers users a full-body sensory experience. Lush greenery and engaging imagery work together to transform the room into an enchanting garden retreat.
Beyond creating an immersive atmosphere, the Fun and Function team wanted users to play an active role in the sensory experience. To that end, they included interactive tools that allow users to shape their surroundings by adjusting the lighting, activating sounds and engaging with other sensory elements.
Built using sturdy plywood and MDF, the garden is an ideal blend of strength and stability with smooth, beautifully finished surfaces. A specially applied antibacterial lacquer adds a protective layer, creating a durable sensory environment designed for lasting enjoyment and sensory support.
As an added advantage, the freestanding design allows the entire setup to be relocated as needs or spaces change.
Nature-Inspired Design
Natural-looking foliage is incorporated throughout the corner units and overhead planters, bringing a refreshing garden feel and transforming the room into a one-of-a-kind indoor oasis.
Nature-Inspired Design
Natural-looking foliage is incorporated throughout the corner units and overhead planters, bringing a refreshing garden feel and transforming the room into a one-of-a-kind indoor oasis.
Calming Visuals
From the gently twinkling Fibre Optic Star Panel to the flowing bubbles of the Corner Bubble Tubes, mesmerizing light and movement provide a soothing visual experience that promotes calm, visual tracking and quiet focus.
Calming Visuals
From the gently twinkling Fibre Optic Star Panel to the flowing bubbles of the Corner Bubble Tubes, mesmerizing light and movement provide a soothing visual experience that promotes calm, visual tracking and quiet focus.
Layered Lighting
RGB LED strips and downlights illuminate the plants, ceiling, walls and floor with programmable colors, adding depth and a captivating glow while allowing the room's mood to change at the touch of a button.
Layered Lighting
RGB LED strips and downlights illuminate the plants, ceiling, walls and floor with programmable colors, adding depth and a captivating glow while allowing the room's mood to change at the touch of a button.
Interactive Discovery
Bright Sparks tubes respond to sound with bursts of moving light, creating an exciting cause-and-effect activity that supports vocalization, communication and interaction. Other interactive panels offer additional opportunities for users to engage with their surroundings through tactile input and stimulating activities.
Sights, Sounds & Sensations
An Effects Projector fills the walls with real-looking nature-themed imagery, while the Wind Blower introduces gentle airflow. Together with lighting and audio, these effects help users feel part of an enveloping, multisensory experience inspired by the outdoors.
Interactive Discovery
Bright Sparks tubes respond to sound with bursts of moving light, creating an exciting cause-and-effect activity that supports vocalization, communication and interaction. Other interactive panels offer additional opportunities for users to engage with their surroundings through tactile input and stimulating activities.
Sights, Sounds & Sensations
An Effects Projector fills the walls with real-looking nature-themed imagery, while the Wind Blower introduces gentle airflow. Together with lighting and audio, these effects help users feel part of an enveloping, multisensory experience inspired by the outdoors.
Step 2: The Design Process
Inspired by the residents’ preference for nature, the design centered around a calming forest theme with deep greens, natural textures and soft lighting. A forest mural wall, plant wall and Spring LED Ceiling Lights were incorporated to evoke the peaceful feeling of being outdoors.
Comfortable seating and thoughtfully placed sensory elements, including bubble tubes and visual features, were arranged to encourage both relaxation and gentle engagement, creating a restorative space where residents can unwind.
The End Result
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- Michelle Howlett, assistant principal of Washington Elementary School
The completed garden is a peaceful yet dynamic sensory retreat where users of all ages can relax, explore and connect with their surroundings. From calming lights and gentle movement to interactive effects and multisensory features, every element works together to support regulation while evoking the restorative feeling of being immersed in nature. Built with strong construction and high-quality materials, the sensory garden is designed to withstand frequent use and provide a lasting sensory experience for years to come.
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