Sustainably Sourced Pod Playground

Organic curved pods form the architectural structure of the custom-designed playground

Situated within an outdoor retail precinct, with a parkland backdrop, the unconventional geometry of the pod structures, sustainability benchmarks, and the commercial factors for the design were key considerations for this visually engaging and highly functional playground

The pod playground’s concept envisioned by Arcadia Landscape Architects called for an organic form, specifying Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as a necessary manufacturing process, achieved by designing the structure around the use of sustainably sourced CLT Accoya beams and battens as key design features.

“By bending Accoya wood, with its stability capabilities and sustainably sourced material, we were able to ensure minimal environmental impact, while delivering a robust and playful playground that brings the concept from paper to life.” – Arcadia[i]

Tilt Industrial Design was engaged to manage the detailed design, construction, and installation – considering site integration, user experience, materiality, safety, and ease of ongoing maintenance. A custom design approach provided the landscape architects a site-specific result that reflects the surrounding parkland and activating an outdoor revolving retail space.

A range of proprietary play elements were integrated to deliver an engaging play experience for a range of ages. Rope climbers, a tunnel experience, slide, log steppers, and a firemans pole all contribute to the overall play and adventure experience.

The end result has produced a unique and site-specific solution that blends with the natural surroundings and complements the retail centres’ interior fit-out with the incorporation of sustainable sourced Accoya.

The Architectural Pod Playground is located within Eastern Creek Quarter Retail Precinct which is a global leader in environmental sustainability. Stage 1 has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, representing world leadership.[ii]