Hanham Hall

Hanham Hall is a 186 home development on the grounds of a former hospital in Bristol. The nine-hectare site is the UK’s first zero-carbon community, using low and zero carbon technologies such as solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. The houses are surrounded by allotments, orchards, hedges, ponds and cycle and walking routes, and the development needed natural play areas to complete the community. We were asked to design, supply and install four play spaces that met the ecological values of the neighbourhood.

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The client specified 900m2 of play areas: one for the under 5's, one for the under 11's with a 685m2 kick about area, one with challenging equipment to suit all ages, and one play trail with a minimum of five playable objects or playable art.

Playforce had to tailor every aspect of the project to fit the specific requirements of the new development, and once the designs were put together they had to be approved by the Local Authority. Our client was particularly descriptive about what they wanted on site, so Playforce had to liaise with them at every stage of the process so that the completed works met their expectations. We were proud to contribute to England’s first large-scale housing scheme achieving the zero-carbon standard, and to provide engaging play areas that reflected the eco-friendly ethos of the development.

We were proud to contribute to England’s first large-scale housing scheme achieving the zero-carbon standard, and to provide engaging play areas that reflected the eco-friendly ethos of the development.

Play Area 1: The first play area offered play equipment and natural landscaped play with engaging features to allow children up to the age of five to play safely and run about. Wildlife themed wooden sculptures were installed to provide a sensory input and opportunity for role play, as well as doubling up as seating areas. A seesaw was added to provide balance, movement and coordination.

Play Area 2:The second play area offered play equipment and naturally landscaped play for the under 11's. We installed a basket swing, catering for groups of children, to promote social interaction. The rope was made of anti-burn material to reduce the risk of vandalism.

Play Area 3:The third area was an adventure playground, intending to suit all ages with a wide range of challenging play equipment and a kick-about area. The zip line and climbing units offer balance, movement, agility and physical development. An embankment slide and swings with safety seats were installed to cater for the younger children.

Playable Art:The playable art was implemented to provide a series of play opportunities closely installed in a continuous trail. The equipment included balancing beams and stepping logs, providing incidental play for children walking with their parents and carers.

Scope of Works

25 pieces of play equipment including swings, embankment slides and a butterfly seesaw, 6 sculptures including a squirrel, a caterpillar and an armadillo, 44 linear metres of knee rail fencing, 680m2 of ecosmart grass matting, 26 boulders, 100m2 of excavation, 150m2 of mounding, 10 railway sleeper steps, 25 full round post stepping logs, 230m2 of turf.

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