CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Named Moku-Yama, which translates to 'wooden mountain' in Japanese, the structure is made of clusters of sustainable timber logs, grouped together vertically to form interactive peaks and valleys. "Moku-Yama blurs the lines between art and play," said the team. "The repetition of the cylindrical logs contrasts with the irregular and non-symmetrical overall shape," said the team. "Moku-Yama logs appear to float and the near-invisible construction adds to the sense of awe when it is experienced from every angle."

Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) and Earthscape produced the structure in three different sizes, with each module formed by a different arrangement of logs that reach 3 metres at the maximum peak, each supported by several structural posts. The tops of the logs can be traversed by foot, while the space underneath resembles wooden stalactites and is also intended for play.

"The repetition of the cylindrical logs contrasts with the irregular and non-symmetrical overall shape," said the team.  "Moku-Yama logs appear to float and the near-invisible construction adds to the sense of awe when it is experienced from every angle."

While the play structures were designed with children in mind, a lack of height limitations encourage play for people of all ages. "The distinction between playgrounds and architecture is less obvious than one might think," said KKAA partner Balázs Bognar. "Playgrounds are architecture, at children's scale."

The photography is courtesy of Earthscape.