Designer Steve Warner takes neglected spaces and turns them into fairyland

AN amazing transformation of the play area at Sydney Children’s Hospital is just one of Steve Warner’s award-winning projects. See what else this talented designer has done.

The finished space at the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.

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WHEN former human resources worker Steve Warner decided to try a fresh career path, it turned into a golden opportunity — literally.

Mr Warner set up Stanmore-based landscape design and consultancy business Outhouse Design and began converting run-down or disused spaces into something more inviting.

Steve Warner, left, at the hospital unveiling.

As it turned out, he had a flair for the craft.

The business flourished and his reputation spread, especially in the projects he undertook to help make the world a better place for children.

He transformed the play space at Camperdown Commons early this year, built a playground for Ashfield Baptist Childcare and created a magical space for sick youngsters at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick where there was originally little more than a dusty, concrete box.

Before: The disused space at the Ashfield Baptist Childcare Centre.

After: Mr Warner’s transformation.

The projects at the children’s hospital, the childcare centre and the RSPCA at Yagoona recently helped Mr Warner’s Outhouse Design company to win an amazing six gold medals at the 2016 Australian Institute of Landscape Design and Managers awards.

Before: The space at Randwick’s Children’s Hospital

After: The finished play area.

The work panned residential design, commercial design, rooftop garden design, pro bono, educational and institutional.

Outhouse Design also won the coveted Allen Correy Award, the industry’s most prestigious accolade.

GOLD RUSH

The Happy Garden, Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick — Landscape Design, Rooftop Category gold medal

The Happy Garden — Commercial Landscape Design, Educational/Institutional Category gold medal

The Happy Garden — Landscape Design, Pro Bono Category gold

RSPCA, Yagoona — Commercial Landscape Design, Educational Category gold medal

Home at Redman Ave, Illawong — Residential Landscape Design, more than 150sq m Category gold medal

Ashfield Baptist Childcare — Commercial Landscape Design, Educational/Institutional Category gold medal

The Allen Correy Award

Camperdown Commons underwent a transformation from the old Camperdown Bowling Club. Picture: Craig Wilson.