Credit: The Cavendish School archive
education
vPPR Architects, 2026
31 Inverness Street, NW1 7HB
Discover a bespoke playground at The Cavendish School in Camden, designed by vPPR Architects and expertly crafted and installed by Bloqs Create. Designed for an independent girls' school, this playful and distinctive space brings architecture, discovery and imagination together. Visit on Open City Day to explore the design, materials and ideas behind this unique new place for play. Try the APEX!
Camden Town
Camden Road
Several bus routes to within walking distance
Level space accessible directly from 179 Arlington Road. No parking
Visitors can expect to see a bespoke installation of an architect-designed play area, using a variety of natural materials.
Credit: The Cavendish School archive
10:00–16:00
Explore a unique bespoke playground at The Cavendish School, designed in collaboration with vPPR Architects and installed by Bloqs Create.
To celebrate 150 years of The Cavendish School, vPPR Architects designed a new playground, canopy, and landscaping to transform the school’s enclosed courtyards. Informed by workshops and observations with staff and students, the design balances strict site constraints - such as fire exits and circulation routes - with expanded opportunities for active and imaginative play.
Developed with Webb Yates Engineers and constructed by BLOQS, the project prioritises sustainability, durability, and prefabrication. Using naturally finished Douglas Fir, Portland Roach stone, and stainless steel fixings, the structural components are prefabricated for efficient assembly within restricted access conditions and left to weather naturally as an educational resource. Ground-level interventions remain reversible to allow future site adaptation.
The Canopy is a lightweight timber lattice with a translucent polycarbonate roof that provides shelter, reduces glare, and bears directly onto Portland Roach stone boulders so that no concrete foundations are necessary.
The Tree-Top Run is an elevated net tunnel above the lunch queue that reuses an existing canopy’s foundations to preserve ground-level circulation. It includes a suspended net hammock for rest and gathering, both provided by South West Play.
A continuous active route including monkey bars, log steps, and planters designed by Tamsin Kelly Gardens provides a beautiful backdrop to the new playground, encouraging informal play and biodiversity.
