Natureworks loves turning children on to the magic of nature, so when we were asked to create an artificial gum tree for an indoor play space we readily embraced the challenge!
Our authentic life-sized blue gum tree replica forms the focal point of an innovative nature play area inside Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
An 'outdoor' space inside the building
"The central indoor play space incorporates natural planting, timber, stone and artificial turf to provide a space symbolic of the outdoors. It offers a multitude of activity areas in a ‘sub-tropical rainforest’ setting.”
Promoting sensory nature play
Goodstart Early Learning and the project designers were keen to provide children with a multi-sensory environment that would encourage them to explore natural elements. To achieve this aim, the final play space blends natural plantings, timber and stone with replicas of nature such as the large artificial gum tree, faux rocks and mounds of artificial turf.
A successful collaboration
For this project, Natureworks was commissioned by construction company ATG Group, who worked with architecture and interior design firm Gray Puksand and landscape designers Greenedge Design to bring this challenging project together.
Our role was to design and create the artificial gum tree that included a hollow base for children to play in. To provide additional stimulation for young minds, we also supplied sculptures of Australian birds and animals that could be hidden around the tree – ready to be discovered!
"This magnificent tree is the centrepiece in our level 1 playground. There is a hollow space at the bottom for children to get in and explore – it is sure to be a hit!”
Designing and building the artificial gum tree
Our team worked with the client’s engineers and designers to ensure the artificial gum tree met the design and engineering requirements and could be produced and installed cost-effectively.
Photo gallery – design
The drawings below show some of the design and planning involved in making the blue gum tree. Please note these may not represent the final details, and all drawings are copyright © Natureworks Pty Ltd.
Photo gallery – construction and installation
The tree was made with a fibreglass outer layer applied over a steel frame and mesh substructure covered with foam. Our artisans sculpted the base and trunk in great detail, emulating natural gum tree features.
The artificial trunk was combined with real hardwood branches (attached via an inner PVC pipe and blended with fibreglass and paint) to create a highly naturalistic result.
Once the structure was complete, our artists applied a realistic paint finish to reflect the colours of natural blue gum bark, followed by a final protective coat. We then affixed artificial eucalyptus leaves to complete the effect, and added small animal sculptures. The photos below show the tree at various stages (all photos © Natureworks).
Project details
| Client | Principal contractor ATG Group, in collaboration with Gray Puksand, Greenedge Design and other project staff and contractors working for project client Goodstart Early Learning |
| Project | Artificial gum tree for Goodstart childcare centre at Adelaide St, Brisbane |
| Audience | Children 0-6 years old and their parents/carers |
| Location | Level 2, 119-133 Adelaide St, Brisbane (see map) |
| Date completed | 2017 |
| Related products | Artificial trees, plants & flowers, Australian mammals, Birds |
| Related catalogues | Artificial Trees & Habitats |
| Similar projects | Reading tree for school library, Artificial bonsai tree for office foyer |
A creative, engaging nature play space
This project shows how an exciting nature play experience can be created inside a building in the middle of a city. It’s a great example of engaging children in nature-based exploration while creating a serene environment. As a result, we hope it stimulates children to explore nature in the outside world.
Full kudos to Goodstart Early Learning for having the vision to create such an engaging space, and to the various design and production teams for making it happen. The project was shortlisted for the public design category of the 2018 Australian Interior Design Awards – well done Gray Puksand and Greenedge Design!
More examples of artificial tree projects
Artificial trees, plants, rocks and natural elements
As well as making custom artificial trees, Natureworks can supply a range of ready-made artificial rocks and plants for landscaping and interior design projects.
For landscaping children’s play areas, we have a range of pebble seats and climbing rocks. We also have hundreds of delightful animal sculptures and imaginative playground theming elements.
For more info, contact Natureworks and we’d be happy to discuss how we can help make your project a success!
