How Locker Group contributed to an award-winning urban playground
Locker Group supplied the architectural products for Queensland’s award-winning Frew Park playground known for its imaginative urban jungle and sporty feel. The now iconic playground has won multiple awards, including the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects’ Award of Excellence, the IAI Queensland State Architecture Award and more.
A magical mini city
Called upon by Guymer Bailey Architects, Locker Group designed and installed the metalwork for this safe and extraordinary space playing on an industrial theme. Original street art of native birds and cityscape scenes span the walls of the playground to complete the mini-city look for both kids and adults alike to admire.
The Brisbane Government explains that Frew Park has all the playground essentials but with unique designs:
- A big climbing wall
- Basketball hoops
- Twisting tunnels
- Large nets
- Suspended cages
- Angular climbing surfaces
- An undulating slide
The design also pays tribute to the history of the tennis-crazed culture of Milton, Brisbane that has held eight Australian Open Championships. Kids can mount giant tennis balls and sit in a steel-metal mesh commentary box suspended eight metres off the ground. The part of the playground commemorating the town’s past tennis accomplishments is geared towards older children, aged 10 to 15. Other areas are more for younger kids only looking to climb so high and who wouldn’t appreciate the meaning of the tennis designs as much.
In addition to creative designs, Guymer Bailey wanted products that were safe and functional. They asked that we create a structure that would prevent kids from climbing certain equipment.They also wanted products that gave children a degree of visibility through the mini-holes so they could look out on the little metropolis. After consulting with Locker Group’s specialists, Guymer Bailey Architects also realised that a stainless steel iteration would eliminate the need for special coating and cut their costs.
How we balance creativity and functionality
Locker Group embraces creative, custom projects and is invested in making our client’s architectural dreams come true. With Frew Park, Guymer wanted a theme and we were able to supply custom designed products that could come in a variety of shapes and forms that were visually appealing.
We’ve proven we’re able to complete custom projects and work with other companies to create a unified vision. Otherwise, we can just come in after the project is compete to spruce up an existing structure with facades.
With Locker Group, our customers can choose from a range of materials. We have a variety of perforated facades materials; they come in in stainless steel, copper and aluminium.
Guymer Bailey architects also took advantage of our highly functional mesh product that comes in a number of different materials, including Mild Steel, Galvanised Steel, Brass and Stainless Steel in both AISI 304 and 316 grades. With our mesh, our customers can choose from various roll and sheet sizes. Locker Group can also provide non standard sheets for projects upon request.
Once we’ve determined what material is best, we’re able to powder-coat, electroplate or anodise these products depending on the look they’re going for.
After that, we custom design products and form the product into whatever shape our client wants. If you want customised folds, notches or various sheet designs – we’re able to do that.
Our specialists are always happy to come on board projects who clients who want to explore and imagine creative possibilities. But we also know how to make the structures functional, fit for a specific audience whether that’s kids or adults. Safety, security and functionality are essential to us and we’ll do anything to accommodate our clients’ specific needs. Contact Locker Group today to discuss your idea for a creative but functional architectural marvel.
