Sliding in style: Tigerplay and HIMACS put the fun into safe and durable play area design

The ways in which HIMACS can elevate a design are extensive, as are the ways in which it can bring joy into a project. As soft play experts Tigerplay have discovered, it’s also ideal for designing slides that deliver just as much fun on the way back down! 

The properties that make the premium solid surface material perfect for such applications are considerable: strong, yet thermoformable into any shape desired; warm and silky to the touch, yet robust and durable; inherently hygienic while being easy to maintain… and repairable if needed. So, when it comes to free-spirited play, no worries about crayons, felt tip pens, paints or any other spills – as HIMACS can be restored to its pristine appearance.

Joined in a way that forms a sleek, seamless, non-porous finish, with nowhere for nasty stuff to lurk – and no rough surfaces for little limbs to get caught on – HIMACS is also the safe choice by virtue of being entirely silica and VOC free. 

Tigerplay creates play areas for all kinds of environments from schools to ships, healthcare to homes. “The bespoke nature of our work means that each project brings unique considerations around accessibility, layout and materiality,” says Gary Morrison, Managing Director, Tigerplay. “Sustainability is a key factor in our approach and we work to British and European standards to ensure our play areas are both safe and fun. Innovative design is vital to creating equipment that excites and challenges children, but we also strive to build spaces that inspire adults as well.”

HIMACS can be found in many charming and creative Tigerplay installations, from a unique, Beatles-inspired yellow submarine to multiple surfaces including signage, but it features most frequently in the form of slides. And who doesn't love a slide? Even into adulthood the exhilaration of climbing up and then swooshing back down cannot fail to lift the human heart… even if that’s just enjoying the children’s fun vicariously.   

So, why HIMACS? “We take pride in the fact that our play spaces are built to last, and we strive for every project to have the ‘WOW’ factor. The smooth finish of HIMACS helps elevate the look and feel of our installations,” explains Gary, “It has a sleek and soft finish in any shape or form and is extremely durable, which is particularly important in busy play areas.” 

It’s not only high standards of aesthetics and performance that matter to Tigerplay, sustainability is also key. “The fact that HIMACS in certain colours is made with SCS certified recycled content, has low environmental impact during manufacturing and can be repaired or reused at the end of its life is important to us. Additionally, it meets high standards for indoor air quality, certified by organisations like Greenguard,” adds Gary.

Here’s a collection of Tigerplay projects featuring slides made from HIMACS:

Residential Playroom – St John’s Wood, London

This elegant playroom has been thoughtfully designed to create a space where the whole family can relax, play, and connect. At its heart is a beautifully crafted wooden playhouse, complete with climbing equipment, a sensory snug, and a HIMACS slide.

Residential Playroom – Newcastle

This bespoke wooden structure introduces playful pops of colour while retaining a natural aesthetic through its warm timber frame. On the upper level, soft play obstacles encourage climbing and exploration, while the sleek HIMACS slide offers a joyful way back down.

Blue Diamond, Cadbury Garden Centre – North Somerset

An immersive and enchanting multi-sensory play environment designed for children from babies to the age of eight. This bespoke play space, named ‘The Treehouse’, is split into three zones and blends creativity, functionality, and sustainability. For the three to five year-old visitors, the area has been carefully planned to encourage independent discovery, with varied routes for climbing, sliding and crawling that promote both gross motor skills and confidence through self-directed play. HIMACS forms the slides in two sizes and colours. 

Clara’s Corner, The Walled Garden, West Wycombe

This play space was designed to spark wonder and imagination with HIMACS slides, climbing walls, activity walls and sensory features spread across two floors. Children can navigate through, up, down and around the climbing frame which curves and meanders throughout the whole space. The natural colour scheme, digitally printed flooring and graphics on the wall add to the immersive experience for families to enjoy.

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