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2018

CAP.CO (Playspace Design and Build), Standard 8 (Manufacturer), Jess Hatcher Moore (Copywriter)

Lead Designer

Design Company

Profile Website

Project Website

Client

Alice Best, Lal Sudlow, Katie Huxford, Emily Stewart, Charlotte Kirkham

Design Team

Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn: From Barn to Wonder
Nestled on Staffordshire's Chillington Estate, the Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn has transformed from a humble agricultural barn into a captivating indoor-outdoor play space centred around a towering oak tree. Inspired by a local ancient oak that famously sheltered King Charles II during his 1651 escape, the Playbarn merges history, play, and creativity.

Big World Adventure, Small World Spirit
The goal was to craft a distinctive brand that complements the timber play structures and cafe while creating a vibrant space where children can dream big, teens can run wild, and adults can relax and reconnect. The brand identity centres on the metaphor of acorns growing into oak trees, symbolising child development and collective growth. A rich, playful visual environment nurtures creativity and links play with potential.

Rooted in History
Inspired by the Boscobel Story, the brand incorporates vibrant colours and patterns echoing Charles II's royal art collection. The narrative comes alive through elegant styling and playful wordplay, all centred on the iconic oak tree—bridging indoors and outdoors and sparking imaginations.

Bringing the Brand to Life: Key Design Features
The design includes over 300 unique brand collateral items, ensuring consistency indoors and outdoors:
Integrated signage: CNC-machined birch ply with UV-printed graphics and lacquered finish.
Banners and flags: Double-printed canvas, custom-shaped, and stitched for opacity.
Outdoor signage: Weatherproof mesh for durability.
Floor graphics: Thermoplastic, laser-cut, and blowtorch-applied for long-lasting use.
Directional signs: Powder-coated aluminium tray signs.
Acoustics: Laser-cut Archisonic felt leaves create a canopy and improve the barn’s soundscape.

Sustainable touches: Recycled materials for parasols and felt oak leaves, combining design and eco-consciousness.

Other elements like branded packaging, vinyl wordplay in restrooms, and wipeable food menus enhance the visitor experience.

Impact
Hockerhill Playbarn welcomed 56,842 visitors in its first six months, over double the expected forecast. The website attracted 415,000 visits, with 94% of traffic from mobile devices. Traffic sources included 40.6% direct, 29.5% search, and 25.4% social media.

This cohesive, adaptable brand identity has been central to the Playbarn’s success, engaging audiences both onsite and online.


Silver Winner in Branding for Graphic Design

Indigo Design .css-77mll5{display:block;}@media screen and (min-width: 80em){.css-77mll5{display:inline;}}Award Winners

2018

Indigo Design Award Winners