Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon

We were humbled and privileged to create this exemplary play area for the RAF museum in their Centenary year

The indoor play area involves miniature play aircraft located alongside their real-life counterparts. . . a Spitfire, a Folland Gnat, a DH 9 biplane and a Westland helicopter. These were intended for children but as museum staff will tell you, they are frequently played on by adults.

[ezcol_1third]Spitfire[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]Spitfire[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]Spitfire cockpit[/ezcol_1third_end]

[ezcol_1quarter]Folland Gnat[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]DH9 biplane[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter]DH9 biplane cockpit[/ezcol_1quarter] [ezcol_1quarter_end]Sea-King helicopter[/ezcol_1quarter_end]

Construction is in stainless steel, fibreglass and UK sourced timber, and all starts from our detailed CAD drawings, to which the structures are rigorously built involving a huge amount of fabrication and finishing skill.

[ezcol_1half]Constructing the Spitfire frame[/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]Constructing the Spitfire body[/ezcol_1half_end]

[ezcol_1third]Design sketch of the play area[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]Layout plan of the play area[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]3D designs of play equipment[/ezcol_1third_end]

The outdoor play area is just as unique, and with a replica of the Graham White building, the play area is set out to match the layout of Hendon Airfield.

Realism is the key here. . . and so we created a GR4 Tornado taking off with twin slides, whilst a Spitfire races over the airfield, and a Vickers Vimy bomber is banking low, offering a variety of climbing, balancing and sliding opportunities.

[ezcol_1third]Grahame-White Watchtower[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]Grahame-White Watchtower[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]Tornado slides[/ezcol_1third_end]

[ezcol_1third]Spitfire[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third]DH9 biplane[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end]Sea=King helicopter[/ezcol_1third_end]

The bright yellow Sea King helicopter hovers over an RAF roundel, with a slide pole and parachute to tell the story of the first successful parachute jump, which took place over Hendon airfield.

We have tried to portray some of the history and activities of the RAF, encouraging both role play and learning by stealth.

[ezcol_1third]Runway repair roller[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third][/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end][/ezcol_1third_end]

There is also a runway repair roller, a bowser and a DDA bomb loader, and access by means of a perimeter track and three runways, ensuring all the apparatus is accessible to everyone.

This play area really is unique and iconic, and has been a huge flyaway success, a project we consider to be one of our flagship installations.

 

Designing Your Play Area

Please also take a look at our other play castles, tree houses, multi-play towers, outdoor play areas, and replica landmarks for further inspiration – Many of these concepts were amalgamated in this project to make the play area that you see here.

Make An Enquiry

For pricing information, please refer to our pricing page or get in contact with us to make an enquiry and discuss a potential project.

How To Order

Number 1

Tell us a little about the project and thoughts you might already have. Russell, our founder and designer, will then be in touch. Often we will visit the area and research the theme comprehensively.

Number 2

You'll receive a drawn plan, written proposal and a fixed price quote for the project, along with any recommendations for design and materials.

Number 3

If you're happy with the proposal then construction begins. We'll send you pictures and updates ready for when we deliver and install.

Make An Enquiry Large