Living Willow

Harriet was commissioned by a Victorian private college to design and build three woven willow structures (two curved tunnels and a large double-dome with two entrances) as part of a nature-based redesign of an existing playground. This included sourcing, harvesting, transporting, preparing and planting willow stems and weaving and securing all elements. School classes were invited for lessons to come and learn about the process and help with the planting. The structures are now thriving – see images below – providing shady cover in summer when they are in full leaf.

finishing touches
finishing touches
inside tunnel
In leaf for Summer
birds eye view
Tunnels in Summer.
doorway
doorway

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imaginative play
imaginative play
a place to gather
a place to gather
thumbs up
thumbs up

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cross-hatching
cross-hatching
the double-dome dragon den
the double-dome dragon den
mat tying up the coccoon snail-shell
mat tying up the coccoon snail-shell
children enjoying the tunnels
children enjoying the tunnels
class photo
class photo
in gaol!
in gaol!
freshly cut willow ready to transport
freshly cut willow ready to transport
willow waiting in water
willow waiting in water

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preparing the playground
preparing the playground
harriet weaving the tunnels
harriet weaving the tunnels
the first excited run-through
the first excited run-through

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view from the school
view from the school

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super-amazing-awesome!
super-amazing-awesome!

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