West Berkshire Council

The Brief & Challenge

West Berkshire Council approached us to design and install an inclusive play facility within the grounds of Shaw House, a historic Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion.

Key Objectives:

• Heritage Sensitivity: The equipment and overall design needed to blend seamlessly into the grounds and complement the aesthetic of the 16th-century historic house.
  
• Inclusive & Accessible Play: The space needed to accommodate children of all ages and abilities, providing meaningful play experiences for wheelchair users, neurodivergent children, and toddlers alike.
  
• Low Impact: Materials and ground preparation had to respect the surrounding historic environment while ensuring durability and safety.

Our Solution & Design Approach

To meet the council’s vision, we crafted a custom play area using natural, high-grade timber structures that reflect traditional craftsmanship and blend seamlessly with the tree canopy and historic architecture.

Key Features & Play Equipment

• Multi-Level Timber Fort & Climbing Tower: A central multi-gable timber structure featuring wide access points, climbing walls, steps, slides, and lower-level sheltered spaces for quiet, imaginative play.
  
• Inclusive Flush-Mounted Roundabout: Installed flush with the surfacing to ensure seamless wheel access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, offering shared thrilling group play.
  
• Sensory & Interactive Play Panels: Free-standing tactile and auditory panels. Including a musical chime/bell board and interactive games, positioned at accessible heights for all visitors.
  
• Toddler Playhouse & Easy-Access Slide: A dedicated low-level timber house with wide step access, easy-grip handrails, and a double-width slide, perfect for younger children developing confidence.
  
• Basket / Nest Swing: An inclusive swing design that allows children who require extra back support, or multiple children together, to swing comfortably.
  
• Balance & Agility Trail: Low-level balance beams, stepping logs, and slacklines woven through the space to encourage coordination and physical development.

Surfacing & Accessibility

To ensure year-round usability and complete accessibility across the site, we installed a seamless bonded rubber mulch surface in a forest green tone.

• Impact-Absorbing & Safe
  
• Wheelchair & Pushchair Friendly. Unlike loose wood chips or gravel, bonded rubber mulch creates a firm, smooth surface that allows effortless navigation for mobility devices.
  
• Visually Blended. The earthy tone integrates smoothly into the surrounding lawns and woodland backdrop.

Outcome & Impact

The new play space at Shaw House successfully balances historic preservation with contemporary, inclusive play design. It provides an engaging destination for local families and heritage site visitors, ensuring children of all physical and cognitive abilities can play side by side in a safe, inspiring environment.