LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEMED PLAY
10 Nov 2022
The best way to bring the concept of a site to life is a themed playground for children. Aside from carefully selected colours, artwork, textures and materials, creating a playspace that is strategically themed is a fantastic approach to fortifying the mood of a site and nailing the brief.
The signature ‘Loggy Train’ play sculpture at The Log Cabin, Penrith
But how do you find someone that can design a playground that is equally beautiful, valuable to children and families and a perfect embodiment of a theme? Luckily, KOMPAN with its dedicated team of experts at the Design Studio is available to assist in every step of the way, from conceptualisation to installation.
With a focus on researching and understanding the story behind the theme, the KOMPAN Design Studio team create a mood board and brainstorm to find the perfect piece of equipment that represents an idea.
A fantastic example is the play area at The Log Cabin in Penrith, which was recently renovated and reopened to the public. The teams at Laundy Hotels and FDC Construction & Fitout were passionate about keeping faithful to the site’s history (it was first opened back in 1826) and paying homage to its recognisable location on the banks of the Nepean River when they began working with local KOMPAN sales partner Play by Design.
“We had a small area that needed to pack a punch,” said Peter Stait, project lead from FDC Construction & Fitout.
“The train was the signature piece, and we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage bridge nearby.”
After researching the visual history of the gastropub and the significance of the train that passes by on the heritage Victoria Bridge, the idea of a steam train motif for a custom Robinia sculpture arose. Timeless, easy to recognise and not to mention, children can’t get enough of trains! 
A long-gone era of The Log Cabin, overlooking the Nepean River and Victoria Bridge. Source The Log Cabin
The teams worked collaboratively with the KOMPAN Design Studio to take a classic train design and adjust the colours and play activities to suit the palette (soft, classic and nautical) and needs (keep kids of various ages entertained while parents enjoyed a meal) of the venue. 
Some reference images and initial sketches for the custom Robinia sculpture design.
“We knew that only KOMPAN and Play by Design could create a truly custom piece that would just nail our brief and represent the intent of our design in exactly the manner we wanted. We could turn the trains regularly passing by into a really exciting feature for kids as they’re playing on the ‘Loggy Train’,” said Peter.
“The process of working through these custom pieces is so easy – there’s so much flexibility with KOMPAN. Being able to have the playground design tie neatly into the branding and feel of the venue is great. We can get that high-end architectural finish and customisation that we need for high calibre venues like The Log Cabin.”
The now-iconic ‘Loggy Train’ playground that patrons are flocking to is a symbol of pride for the historical venue, the unique play structure has seen families visiting all throughout the day – whether it’s mums dropping in for a coffee and playdate after a morning walk along the river, or families and friends gathering in the courtyard for a weekend get together.
“So far, the response to the playground opening has been fabulous. Both the parents and the kids are really enjoying the results of this project. To know that kids can be entertained on this best-in-class playground while their families can catch up in the beer garden by the river, means that young and old can both enjoy this renewed venue for many years to come,” Peter said. 
Children are naturally drawn to the dramatic possibilities and intriguing design of the themed train piece
This is just one example of the many awe-inspiring custom play pieces KOMPAN have delivered to happy clients over the years. From hot air balloons and dinosaurs made of rope to towering spaceships and jungle canopies made from printed HDPE, when a playground is made in collaboration with the KOMPAN Design Studio, the only thing between you and the next award-winning site is your imagination!
If you’re thinking of taking a project to the next level with a thoughtfully designed playground, be sure to check out KOMPAN’s inspirational brochure and join Sophie Lambert, product designer at KOMPAN in the upcoming “Designing unique playgrounds that match your story and your scene” webinar (free!) on Wednesday, 16th November at 3pm AEST / 4pm AEDT.
Click on the links below to find out more from KOMPAN.
