Root And Erect weaves imaginative woodland adventures into King’s Cross as Chilton Square’s new sculptural playscape is open to everyone.
Experts in transformative public-realm intervention, Root And Erect were commissioned by the Kings Cross Group to design Chilton Square, a new woodland playscape in King’s Cross in place of a former site compound. Adding to Gatti Park and Granary Square’s fountains, Chilton Square introduces a new play offer – a pocket of greenery reconnecting visitors with seasonal rhythms.
Conceived with 4–12 year-olds in mind, but designed to engage all ages, the permeable 24hr square has been turned into a destination playscape incorporating outdoor fitness. The shady woodland scheme also functions as a green corridor between the tree-lined Canal Reach to the north-west and Lewis Cubitt Park to the south-east.
A woodland playscape
Characterized by pine trees, planted beds, cork surfacing and earthy tones, Chilton Square presents a sheltered woodland enclosure with a tubular steel play structure. Its bronze tones harmonise with the palette of surrounding buildings.
Inspired by DNA’s helical shape (inspired by the nearby Francis Crick Institute), the structure unravels across the square around 27 newly planted trees, navigating dense underground services. It provides climbing rungs, nets, swings, ropes, and balance bars, offering varied challenges to encourage exploratory play, exercise and relaxation.
Trees were selected for shady conditions, creating wildlife habitats with distinct seasonal character: cherry trees flower in spring; birches support 300 insect species in summer; katsura fills autumn air with toffee-apple scent; black pine brings festive fragrance in winter.
Co-designed with kids
Root And Erect consulted pupils from King’s Cross Academy and Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children. Creative workshops had children experimenting with double-helix structures and providing feedback, which refined the design to include sensory zones, willow dens, and role-play opportunities.
Let there be light
Following Making London Child-Friendly guidelines, Chilton Square is lit after hours to extend use into darker hours, for all ages. Speirs Major installed multi-headed colour-changing spots activated by movement, stimulating dynamic shadow play.
Sustainable construction
Aiming for net-zero-embodied-carbon, Root And Erect used compacted ground instead of concrete foundations, reclaimed steel for the structure, and Corkeen (a cork by-product) safety surfacing, a more sustainable and healthier alternative to typical rubber surfacing.
Open to all, all the time
Now open, Chilton Square is accessible 24 hours daily for play, exercise, or simply passing through.
Data
Landscape and play design: Root And Erect (lead designers)
Technical landscape architect: Applied Landscape Design (ALD) (delivery phase)
Structural engineer: Allt Environmental
Lighting designer: Speirs Major
Civil engineer: Stantec
Play manufacturer: Massey & Harris
Photo credits: Rachel Ferriman
Other credits:
Client: The Kings Cross Group
Landscape contractor: Maylim Limited
Soft landscape contractor: Willerby Landscapes Ltd
Quantity surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald
Play safety: ROSPA
Accessibility Consultant: All Clear Designs Limited
