A series of brightly painted play structures have been installed in the courtyard of King’s Cross Academy in central London, transforming the school’s playground into what the designers refer to as a ‘miniature village’ designed to spark imagination and collaborative play.
The project consists of a cluster of seven bespoke playhouses, each designed to encourage a different type of exploration. The concept draws from the African proverb ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ – thinking of architecture as a framework for both education and community.
The timber-framed structures float above the ground within a sculptural lattice. Each play structure is open on two sides, framing the playground like a theatrical set, their interiors designed to come to life once children occupy them.
Different playhouses are designed to have their own character and function: Velocity House encouraging physical activity and energetic play; Construction House providing opportunities for building and problem-solving; Theatre House supporting storytelling and performance; Mud Kitchen House stimulating imaginative creative and social play; and the Green House connecting children with nature and their environment.
The project was fabricated totally on site from off-the-peg materials – painted plywood panels and standard sections of timber – and uses colour like a material play across the project: a carefully graduating the palette to catch changing light and shadow to further create a sense of theatre.
Architect’s view
The school had a poorly lit, unloved fenced-off area of the playground, which was used as the early learning playground. This enclosed space not only limited play opportunities but also blocked natural daylight from reaching the adjacent classroom and interrupted views across the main playground.
Working closely with the school, the studio developed a design that merges learning and play, creating a zone that supports exploration while visually enhancing the wider playground environment. The intervention opens up sightlines, floods the classroom with natural light, and integrates playful structures that invite children to climb, balance and collaborate.
The true test of the design came on opening day, when 60 children poured into the new playground – a rush of energy likened to a dam bursting, with laughter and movement filling every corner of the space. What was once an overlooked area has become a joyful theatre of play, embodying the school’s ethos of belonging and curiosity.
The playground becomes a backdrop for creativity. The architecture disappears as the children play, leaving only movement, colour and imagination.
Mike McMahon, director, Mike McMahon Studio
Client’s view
From the very beginning, the team at Mike McMahon Studio took the time to truly understand our school – our community, our values, and the small daily moments that make King’s Cross Academy such a special place.
There was no preconceived vision or template; instead, they listened carefully, observed how the children and teachers used the space, and engaged in genuine conversations with everyone involved. Their enthusiasm for the project quickly became infectious, inspiring our whole team.
What impressed us most was how they translated our idea of ‘belonging’ and ‘the village’ into something tangible and beautiful. Their concept captured the heart of our community while staying true to the practical needs of the school. Every design choice felt intentional, rooted in an understanding of who we are and what matters most to us.
Collaboration defined the process. The studio worked side by side with our early years foundation stage team, listening, adapting and shaping ideas so the design reflected the children’s world – full of curiosity, play and inclusion. They approached feedback with care and creativity, ensuring that the end result genuinely enhanced the children’s daily experiences.
During installation, their commitment never wavered. The team were a constant presence on site, fine-tuning details and checking that everything aligned with the shared vision. Their attention to detail and collaborative spirit made the whole experience feel personal and seamless.
The finished space feels alive with joy and connection. It’s more than a playground; it’s a reflection of our community, a place where children feel a deep sense of belonging. It’s a legacy project that will enrich school life for many years to come.
Stephen Mitchen, head teacher, King’s Cross Academy
Project data
Location King’s Cross Academy, King’s Cross, Camden, London
Start on site January 2025
Completion date March 2025
Gross (external) floor area 50m2
Form of contract Bespoke
Construction cost Undisclosed
Architect Mike McMahon Studio
Client King’s Cross Academy
Landscape consultant Mike McMahon Studio
Principal designer Mike McMahon Studio
Main contractor Silen Construction
CAD software used Autocad, Sketch-up, Enscape, Photoshop