Notre Dame Estate

London Borough of Lambeth

APES worked in concert with Erect Architecture and Hortech Ltd to redevelop the Notre Dame Estate play area, a key part of the Lambeth Play Pathfinder scheme. The project was developed in consultation with local residents and was a precursor to APES' work on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The play area provides a central structure made from natural materials and features plenty of chainsaw detail. It offers a nest swing, ropes, nets, a long, accessible slide, and uses grass for safety surfacing (in keeping with the natural theme). The landscaping complements the adjacent listed Orangery (formerly part of the residence of the Thorntons, a family of evangelists and philanthropists). The estate is built on the grounds of a convent, and APES has certainly solved a problem like the lack of play facilities for local kids: indeed, since the area was opened in summer 2012, it could be said that fun has proved to be a bit of a habit.

Year
2012

Location
London Borough of Southwark

Build Time
2 & 1/2 weeks

Price
£30,000