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A Shipping Container Playground.

by on Jul 8, 2008

Over the last few years, shipping containers have been recycled into everything from storage sheds to emergency houses to entire wings of homes. But none seem so useful or poetic or FUN! as Skinners Playground by Phooey Architects in Melbourne. “Many of the structural elements in the Skinners Playground are
simply container cut outs that have been repositioned. The stair
railings, shade overhangs, and balconies are all parts of abandoned containers.
The materials are left with tell tale signs of origin, giving a feeling
similar to kid-constructed tree houses and forts from found objects.The windows, carpet tiles, and fasteners at Skinners are also on
their second life, reclaimed from the waste stream to bring function
and fun to the playground. Through the architect’s zero waste approach,
Skinners Playground proved to be an economically sound endeavor, as
well as environmentally friendly way to bring recreation into the
backyard of kids living in South Melbourne. Even though
architect-designed, the program at Skinners is kid driven, with local
children adding touches like hand-painted murals.”