Excessive stimulation, intense colours and large, dominant structures are increasingly giving way to simple forms, natural materials and solutions that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. With this approach in mind, we created the Robinia Scandic playground series – a collection for those looking to strike a balance between the functionality of a recreational space and the character of the wider development.
Contemporary spatial design increasingly takes into account the need for rest, contact with nature and a reduction in excessive sensory stimulation. This applies to urban squares and parks, as well as residential courtyards, areas around schools and nurseries, and hotel spaces.
The playground is an important part of such spaces, which is why we want its design to complement its surroundings. The Robinia Scandic series was created with this approach in mind. It comprises 30 pieces of equipment made from natural robinia wood, designed around simple forms and inspired by Scandinavian minimalism.
“When designing the Robinia Scandic series, our aim was to create street furniture that would not dominate its surroundings, but instead become a natural extension of them,” says Krzysztof Rembeliński, Head of Design at Buglo. “We asked ourselves: what is the true essence of a playground? It is not unnecessary decoration or loud colours, but safe movement, motor development and social interaction. We chose to move away from excess in favour of clean forms and the highest quality natural material.”
One of the key features of the Robinia Scandic series is its visually lightweight construction. The slender elements, made from natural robinia trunks, have a diameter of 14–16 cm. Combined with open rope structures and simple geometry, they ensure that the equipment does not create a heavy, solid form.
This is particularly important in places where the playground forms part of a larger architectural scheme. Natural wood works well with greenery, but it can also be combined with concrete, glass and other modern materials.
The colour palette of the series has also been kept to a minimum. The natural texture of the robinia wood remains visible, while subtle colour accents serve primarily as complementary elements.
“Landscape architects often face the challenge of integrating a play area into an elegant residential development, a historic park or a modern hotel spa without disrupting the concept of the wider project,” notes Krzysztof Rembeliński. “The Scandic series gives designers a great deal of freedom. The slender robinia profiles and open structure allow the equipment to blend seamlessly with both the raw concrete and glass of modern developments and the mature trees found in urban parks.”
Simple forms do not limit the possibilities for creating diverse play areas. The Robinia Scandic collection comprises 30 pieces of equipment with different functions, from swings and balance beams to obstacle courses and equipment designed to develop physical coordination, as well as towers equipped with slides.
This makes it possible to create both small, intimate playgrounds and larger recreational areas tailored to different age groups.
The series can be used in a wide range of spaces, including residential developments, parks and urban areas, schools and nurseries, as well as hotels and leisure facilities.
When designing our equipment, we also pay close attention to the material and how it performs in outdoor conditions. Robinia wood is naturally resistant to the effects of weather, while its distinctive texture helps preserve the natural appearance of the wood for years.
“From a construction and investment perspective, durability is key. Robinia wood does not require aggressive pressure treatment to withstand decades of exposure to demanding weather conditions. The result is a product that complies with the EN 1176 standard and ages with exceptional character,” adds Mariusz Tomsa, Head of Sales and Project Delivery at Buglo.
Designing a playground is part of a wider process. That is why, alongside the launch of the Robinia Scandic series, we have prepared resources to make the design process easier.
Architects and designers can access 2D and 3D model libraries and technical data sheets for all 30 pieces of equipment free of charge. These resources make it easier to incorporate specific equipment into a project from the early stages of site planning and to adapt the layout of the play area to the other elements of the development.
Robinia Scandic is our take on playground design, where natural materials, simple forms and functionality come together to create a cohesive part of the wider space.
More information about the series, along with design resources, can be found here Robinia Scandic
