Landscape Architect: Naturform
Location: Caroline Springs, VIC
Partridge partnered with Naturform to design and certify a children’s playground, addressing structural challenges with a strong focus on child safety. The steel design and detailing required careful planning to eliminate hazards, with connections specifically designed to prevent pinch points and potential injuries.
A major challenge involved the complex steel modelling and detailing. Using advanced 3D modelling software, typically applied to steel and timber structures, we were able to meet the design requirements while ensuring the playground’s functionality. One key feature is the use of perforated sheet panels for bracing, secured with structural rivets. This approach offers a flush surface, minimizing the risk of finger injuries compared to traditional bolted connections.
The presence of existing trees on the site required thoughtful footing design to avoid damaging the roots. To address this, we incorporated cardboard void formers to handle soil movement and installed footings into the rock, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment. This approach maintained the integrity of the trees while providing a safe, durable structure for the playground.
This project demonstrates our team’s ability to design structures that are both safe and functional, even in challenging environments. By utilising advanced software and innovative design techniques, we successfully navigated the complexities of this project and created a playground that meets the highest standards of safety and durability.
