Project overview
This one was a little closer to home – literally. Built in our own backyard for our four boys, Kids Paradise started with one goal: create a space where they could spend hours outside climbing, exploring and using their imaginations.
With suspension bridges, a flying fox, tunnel slide, fireman’s pole, monkey bars, swings, climbing walls, cubby house, sandpit, integrated trampoline and merry-go-round, it became one big connected adventure – and definitely not your average backyard playground. Rather than feeling like a collect of separate pieces of equipment, it became one large adventure and the sort of backyard that will be remembered long after the kids have outgrown it
Client Goals
With four boys of different ages, we wanted something they could all enjoy and continue to grow into.
The goal was plenty of outdoor play and imagination for them, while still creating a backyard the whole family could enjoy.
Planning + Design
Rather than filling the yard with separate pieces of play equipment, we designed everything to connect.
Different levels, platforms and suspension bridges link the play areas together, allowing the kids to move from one adventure to the next.
Unique Aspects of the Project
It’s not any one feature that makes Kids Paradise unique – it’s how everything works together.
The bridges, platforms, flying fox, slides, climbing areas and play elements form one connected adventure where there’s no set way to explore it.
Challenges Faced
The biggest challenge was fitting so much into one backyard without making it feel overcrowded.
Different heights, ages, fall zones and access points all had to be carefully considered while making the most of the space available.
Materials and Techniques Used
Recycled and repurposed materials were incorporated throughout the build, alongside custom-built platforms, bridges and climbing elements.
It might be a playground, but we approached the build the same way we approach our homes – the details still matter.
Client Feedback
We have an unfair advantage here considering the clients live with us.
The best feedback is simply watching our boys use it – although judging by how much their friends (and ours) love it too, we think it’s been a pretty solid success.
We wanted to create a childhood backyard they’d remember, and we think we’ve done alright.
Team Involvement
This one gave our team the opportunity to build something completely different and have a little fun along the way.
There was plenty of creativity, construction and problem-solving involved in turning a fairly ambitious idea into reality.
Key Learnings or Takeaways
Sometimes the best projects come from letting an idea get a little out of hand.
Kids Paradise reinforced something we already knew – we love building things that aren’t ordinary.