DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION
Our Approach
We are a design and construct firm, as well as offering design services only. Each project is uniquely designed to place and community. A focus of our work is to collaborate with communities in the designing and facilitating of their nature play environment.
We provide a Design service based on over 10 yrs experience in designing and constructing Nature Based Play projects. All our designs are unique, responding to place and based on a foundation of proven design, broad based play outcomes and nature inspired forms.
We design our Nature-based Spaces for our prime users, the kids, and our nature playgrounds positively support their childhood development.
Within our Nature Based Play designs, we include a wide range of play, sensory and educational elements including:
Balance logs and climbable structures
Vestibular motion
Timber cubbies and temporal play
Musical items, eg wooden drums; sensory totems
Feature timber pieces, looking glasses
Traditional slides, swings and monkey bars
Rope balancing and swinging play
Water play
Our Projects range from:
Small simple Nature Play Spaces,
Medium sized Nature Playgrounds,
Larger integrated Nature Play Adventure Scapes.
Costs range from <$20k for small projects; $20k – $100k for medium; over $100k for larger projects.
Collaborate. Community. Place.
Our designs and services include:
Collaborative Design – with client and local community
Outdoor Learning Design – Creating immersive and educational environments
Culturally Activated Design – First Nations cultural learning elements
Urban Rewilding Design – based on nature, mirroring natural forms
Universal Design – accessible, special needs, sensory engagement
Our wide range of clients include:
primary and secondary schools
early learning centres, kindys, playgroups
community groups
local government
landscape architects
urban and rural developers
small business
Integrated Nature Play Masterplanning
We combine our expertise in Nature Play, Landscape and Environmental Design, and Sustainability to craft masterplans that integrate play, discovery, and learning into a cohesive, nature-rich landscape.
Our Management and skills Include:
– Specialised Nature Playground Design,
– Environmental Nature Discovery Landscapes, Urban Forests, Rewilding spaces,
– Nature Based Learning and Educational Opportunities,
– Sustainability and Community Management,
– Collaborative Construction Management,
– Culturally Activated Design.
Masterplan – Dalmain Primary School. The school wanted a grounds plan split into stages, to assist in allocating funding over a longer term.
Webber Reserve – City of Melville. This project was part of a greater masterplan for the reserve and utilised materials from the original playground, as well as repurposing other items provided by City of Melville to create playable features.
Professional Collaboration
At Nature Based Play, we partner with Landscape Architects and construction professionals to design and build specialized Nature Play spaces within larger landscape projects. With extensive experience, industry connections, and expert craftsmanship, we enhance outdoor environments with engaging, nature-inspired play elements.
Our Collaborative Approach:
✔ Landscape Architects –Partnerships to design Nature Playgrounds and Discovery Spaces, bringing our specialised design experience and skills in unique nature-based design.
✔ Landscape Construction Companies – We refine and build Nature Play elements using high-quality timbers, sustainable materials, and expert craftsmanship.
We welcome collaborations with landscape industry professionals for both long-term partnerships and project-specific Nature Play integrations. Please contact us to discuss your project.
Quality in house Construction
The construction process is an extension of our design process, ensuring clients wishes are brought through creatively to completion. With our own team of permanent construction staff, we see our projects through from start to finish.
All our projects are expertly built, utilising handcrafted techniques and landscaping experience to deliver Nature Spaces that meet and go beyond Australian Standards and Playground safety requirements.
We offer comprehensive maintenance services and advice on our projects post completion, to ensure they will be enjoyed for years to come.
Dune Beer Co in Albany, Southwest WA. Our team travelled to Albany to construct the play space as part of this collaborative project, incorporating Indigenous consultation and rocks sourced locally.
Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space The project was initiated by Cottesloe Coastcare to rehabilitate and restore an area of coastal dunes, while providing an opportunity for play and nature discovery. This visionary project has since won many awards.
Urban Rewilding Spaces
Urban rewilding projects play a crucial role in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity by integrating natural elements into public spaces. By prioritizing natural materials, playgrounds and outdoor areas can become more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Key components include reintroducing native plants, restoring natural ecological processes, and fostering community engagement.
We work with local governments and community organisations to integrate these spaces into our urban environment for community connection with nature.
Some examples of rewilding projects include:
Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space (Coastcare Cottesloe)
Arbor Park Nature Play Trail (Greening Australia)
Russell Brown Adventure Park (Rotary Club, Mens’ Shed and others)
Universal Design
Nature-based play spaces designed with inclusivity at their core provide meaningful and engaging experiences for children of all abilities. By integrating natural elements, diverse play opportunities, and accessible surfacing, these spaces ensure that every child can participate and connect with the natural environment.
Sensory-rich features and thoughtful layouts promote social interaction, a sense of belonging and shared play, supporting physical and cognitive development.
Some examples of our inclusive and accessible projects include:
Kensington Secondary School An accessible pathway runs alongside the water play area, allowing all users to participate in water play, a calming sensory element within the outdoor space.