From London’s Iconic Playgrounds to India’s Premium Developments: International Playground Specialist Timberplay Expands Its Footprint

Landscaped podiums, outdoor recreation and family-oriented amenities are increasingly part of how developments are conceived. Yet, how children experience and interact with these spaces, offers a different design challenge: creating places for play that are integrated into the architecture and landscape, rather than added as an afterthought.

It is an area in which international playground design specialist Timberplay is looking to build its presence in India, drawing on an existing portfolio of Indian projects and experience across residential developments, public spaces and visitor destinations worldwide.

The company's work in India includes Lodha's World Towers in Mumbai, where the playground was designed for a sixth-floor rooftop terrace. The elevated setting required the play equipment to be specially adapted for podium installation. The design brought together large ship-inspired structures, sand play, climbing, bridges and water-play elements to create an environment that went beyond a conventional playground. At Lodha's Upper Thane development, Timberplay's work takes a landscape-led approach, incorporating treehouse-inspired structures among the site's mature trees.

“These projects illustrate a broader consideration for developers: play spaces are not simply about selecting equipment. Their design must respond to the architecture, available land, landscape, intended users and the experience a development aims to create. In high-density urban settings, elevated podiums and carefully planned shared spaces can also present distinct opportunities and constraints for integrating play,” observes Ar. Parth Divekar, Founder and Managing Director of GRADE Landscape Architecture.

Established in 2000, Timberplay has worked on projects internationally, including the award winning Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in London. Its approach combines bespoke design, play equipment and landscape considerations to create environments that encourage exploration, imagination and physical engagement. Having recently undergone a £3M renovation, this playground with millions of visitors every year, is described as the world’s best playground. The company provides services spanning concept development, design, installation and long-term maintenance.

As it looks to develop its presence in India, Timberplay intends to engage with real estate developers, hospitality groups and design professionals on the role of play in the next generation of residential and destination-led projects. The opportunity is not simply to bring international equipment into the market, but to apply global design experience to projects shaped by India's distinct urban, climatic and development contexts.

Says Hugo Ross, Associate Director at Timberplay Ltd, “Timberplay works alongside visionary developers in creating some of the most innovative and inclusive play environments anywhere in the world. We combine world-leading design, exceptional craftsmanship and a deep understanding of play to master planners, developers and Updates. With playgrounds in world leading resorts, public spaces and residential developments, we have the opportunity to influence how future generations experience their cities and communities."

Established in 2000, Timberplay designs and creates play environments that bring together landscape, materials and imaginative play. Its portfolio spans residential developments, public spaces, visitor attractions and hospitality destinations, with services covering concept development, design, installation and long-term maintenance.