A 13m long, 3m high, 4m wide wooden ark has been built at a Sunshine Coast school, posing a serious challenge for a playground construction company.
The structure was handcrafted in the middle of the junior school at Nambour Christian College.
It’s the feature element of a new playground for 495 primary school students.
The ark’s design proved to be a test for Gold-Coast based builders Everything Outside: five carpenters needed to slowly bend the timber into the shape of a bow over six weeks.
Company CEO Andrew Brenchley said it was their most difficult project to date.
“We are so proud of the ark because it looks like a piece of handcrafted furniture but with a lot of fun attached,” he said.
“We have built more than 130 playgrounds across Queensland and NSW but this one was the trickiest,” he said.
“Getting timber to bend is a challenge in itself but we also had to walk in most materials through a tight corridor and find a way to get 20x500kg sandstone blocks in place.”
Nambour Christian College’s head of junior school Kylie Baker was delighted with the structure.
“Nambour Christian College is committed to creating engaging and imaginative play spaces that inspire young learners,” she said.
“The ark is not just a playground feature, it’s a symbol of adventure, creativity, and resilience.
“This new addition invites our students to explore, collaborate, and dream big as they grow.
“We’re thrilled to offer a space that enriches play and learning in such an unforgettable way.”
The playground also features a dry-river bed with water pumps, climbing frames, a sand-pit, shelter pods and an indigenous yarning circle.
Three Queensland artists were commissioned for the project including, Rachel Saurini, Indigenous artist, Allan Ninyette and Chainsaw wood carver, Matt Bird.
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