UPSCALED PLAY

Using reused and recycled elements, this nature-based playspace takes bespoke to a whole new level.

Designed to take the place of an existing playground on the grounds of Wesley College in Melbourne, the team from Landstruct Landscape Constructions produced a nature-based playground design that combined bespoke and natural elements with minimal propriety play equipment.

Working with plans from the landscape architect, Landstruct worked in collaboration with the school to achieve an end result that would compensate for budget overages from the landscape design. Working within the confines of the budget, as well as site constraints, Landstruct was able to utilise existing elements to develop a new playscape that met the centre’s educational ethos as well as their environmental policy.

The scope of the project included setup of Tree Protection Zones (TPZ), temporary fencing, Dial-Before-You-Dig services location and coordination, demolition, excavation and installation of drainage, particularly around existing trees. In addition, Landstruct undertook the construction of some of the custom play elements, both on and off site. The team installed coloured and exposed concrete pavements, mudstone rockwork and logs and stumps to create fun installations for jumping, climbing and scampering over.

A dedicated play zone houses towers constructed by Landstruct using natural bush poles and other forestry certified timbers that feature stairs and a slide for hours of fun. Various items of play items for swinging and climbing were also installed, along with a water-play zone that included a pump, bridge and trickling stream.

In another outdoor zone, a series raised decks, some with shade cloth structures providing sun coverage, offer seating and play areas for crafts and story time. Synthetic grass delivers a soft surface for play, while timber softfall around the play equipment makes for a safe foundation for little players.

Throw in some swings, an arbor, a cubby, sandpits, picnic tables, mud kitchen, performance stage, and animal paw prints in concrete decorating the pathways, and you’ve got one very popular playspace.  

Though undertaken while the school was still open, Landstruct was able to manage the job site with strict adherence to safety protocols. Working closely with the school to ensure adequate outdoor space remained open for use during construction, Landstruct worked on a decanting basis, rotating areas of construction to afford students room to play until the project was completed.

With its undeniable wow factor of natural elements, the Wesley College playground was deservedly awarded Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers’ 2022 Landscape Award for Commercial Construction Under $500,000. Impressed by its attention to detail, the Judges noted, “The overall appearance is one of a clearing in a bush setting offering natural stimulation that is hard to find in other playgrounds.

The attention to detail is admirable, considering the difficulties presented when working with natural materials; from the consistent grouting between the rocks preventing entrapment of little fingers to the seamless blending of 50-year-old trees on the site with the newly constructed recycled materials.

For small humans, this is a happy place created by the clever use of simple materials well designed and constructed.”

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client Wesley College

Location Glen Waverley, Victoria

Timber Supply Outlast Timber

Excavation Earth Trim

Landscape Contractors Landstruct Landscape Construction

COMPANY

Landstruct Landscape Construction

P             1300 019 950

E             mail@landstruct.com.au

W            landstruct.com.au