Inspiring a natural love of reading!
To help children discover the joy of reading, teachers at Parafield Gardens Primary School in Adelaide were keen to create an inspirational reading and learning space. They envisioned a beautiful reading tree that would provide a focal point for reading activities in the school library/resource centre. As well as firing children’s’ imagination, the tree would bring a relaxing sense of nature indoors.
Natureworks was only too happy to help the school achieve this! True to the teachers’ vision, the magnificent artificial fig tree now sits proudly in the centre of the recently upgraded library and activity space.
"The Reading Tree is going to inspire so many beautiful memories and dreams for our students as they enjoy many great books in our library.”
Children can sit in nooks of the fig root buttresses and immerse themselves in a good book, or gather around the tree to hear a story. While there, they can spot fungi, animals and insects hidden amongst the branches. Both teachers and students enjoy a tree that not only enhances the space, it stimulates the imagination!
"I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.”
Designing and building the reading tree
As the reading tree was to be installed in the middle of the library area, it needed to be cleverly designed around a central support column. To do this, we created the main trunk in two halves and assembled them on site. We also built the four buttresses separately, for easier manufacture and transportation.
Once the tree pieces were in place, our artists applied textured blending to the seams so they were barely noticeable when finished. We then added branches and leaves to complete the effect.
Photo gallery: Reading tree at Parafield Gardens Primary School
(All images remain the copyright of the creators, Natureworks and Parafield Gardens Primary School)
"Words honestly cannot describe how absolutely blown away I am with what you have all created for us. It is absolutely exquisite and has exceeded anything I had dreamed of having created. I can’t thank you enough for bringing our vision to life. ”
Enhancing the space
Photo gallery: Constructing and installing the tree
Scope of the project
For this school library reading tree project, Natureworks supplied the following:
- Design of artificial tree to suit the allocated space
- Artificial fig tree trunk made of fibreglass with durable waterproof paint finish
- 11 real tree branches (foraged locally by the team), de-barked and finished with fibre-filled waterproof compound and paint finish to match the trunk
- 840 artificial Ficus leaf sprays individually and carefully hot-glued to branches
- Various fibreglass animals and insects
- 32mm thick artificial turf at base of tree
- Delivery to Adelaide and installation on site.
Project details
| Client | Parafield Gardens Primary School |
| Project | Artificial Reading Tree for school library |
| Audience | Primary school children and teachers |
| Location | 23 Shepherdson Road, Parafield Gardens, SA 5107 Australia (see map) |
| Date | 2023 |
| Related products | Artificial Trees & Plants |
| Related catalogues | Artificial Trees, Mammals, Birds, Tree of Life |
| Similar projects | Anglican College Storybook Library, Bonsai Tree Foyer Display, Artificial Fig Tree in Waiting Room |
Project case study
Bring nature indoors with a realistic artificial tree
Natureworks can design and fabricate any type or size of artificial tree sculpture to bring a sense of nature into your space. Alternatively, we can adapt an existing design (such as this reading tree) to suit your needs. For example, see how a similar fig tree was used in a childcare waiting room. Or take a look at the storybook library we installed for a school in Queensland, using artificial trees and other props to create a magical reading space.
To enhance any space or convey a specific theme, we can provide a wide range of themed props, such as storybook characters and animal sculptures. If you want something a bit different, our custom design process (with a touch of natural magic thrown in) will ensure a unique result.
Contact Natureworks to bring your vision to life!
