Services
Design / Sourcing
Sector
Lifestyle / Creative Play
Challenge
Design an indoor play structure that could live beautifully in the home, invite imaginative open-ended play, and be durable enough to last for generations. The goal was to create something that didn’t just coexist with a home’s aesthetic, but enhanced it, while providing a wide range of play experiences for growing children.
Approach
Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian furniture design and heirloom-quality baby cribs, we set out to design a play structure that felt more like modern furniture than traditional plastic toys. The result was an elegant arch form that is minimal yet inviting, that encouraged kids to bring their own creativity to the play experience. During hands-on prototyping (with plenty of enthusiastic “user testing” by our team’s own children), we saw the structure transformed into tunnels, sailboats, mountains, and obstacle courses.
To ensure longevity and versatility, we incorporated modularity from the start. The launch included a reversible slide and climbing wall, with plans for additional attachments to evolve the play experience as children grow. We carefully sourced premium beechwood and partnered with trusted manufacturing teams to ensure both safety and long-term durability.
Outcome
The final product is the Gathre Play Gym: a beautifully crafted, furniture-grade play arch made from sustainably harvested beechwood. Every curve and connection was carefully considered to support active play while fitting seamlessly into the aesthetic of modern homes. With its heirloom construction, modular functionality, and thoughtful design language, the Play Gym is as much a long-term investment in family life as it is a toy.
Since its release, it has become a signature piece in Gathre’s play line—earning praise for both its design and its ability to spark imagination in everyday play. Built to grow with the child and endure years of use, it’s a canvas for creativity, a design object, and a beloved part of the home.
