Coral Reef Play Structure, Canberra
Coral reefs do not usually come with a structural engineer’s certification. This one does.
Magryn supported Exhibition Studios on the structural design and certification of a bespoke coral reef play structure, now installed at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
As Australia’s national science and technology centre, Questacon is designed to inspire curiosity, learning and exploration. The Mini Q space extends this experience to younger visitors through immersive, tactile environments. The coral reef structure forms a central part of that experience.
Project Overview
The structure replicates the complex, branching forms of a natural coral reef. Unlike conventional structures, there are no straight lines or repetitive geometry. Every element is unique, creating both a visually striking outcome and a genuine structural challenge.
Our role included:
Structural design and analysis of the steel framework
Certification of the structure for public use
Collaboration with Exhibition Studios through design and fabrication
Site and workshop review during construction
Engineering an Organic Form
Natural systems do not follow standard engineering rules, and this structure reflects that.
The coral geometry required the entire steel frame to be carefully modelled using structural analysis software.
Load paths were not immediately obvious and had to be resolved through detailed modelling. Torsional effects were a key consideration, particularly where branches intersected and transferred load through non-linear pathways.
What appears effortless and organic is underpinned by:
Detailed 3D modelling of irregular geometry
Careful resolution of load paths through branching members
Consideration of torsion and localised stress concentrations
Coordination between design intent and fabrication constraints
The result is a structure that maintains the integrity of the architectural vision while meeting strict structural performance requirements.
Designing for Play
Play structures occupy a unique category within structural engineering.
They are:
Bespoke and highly interactive
Subject to dynamic and unpredictable loading
Required to meet strict safety and compliance standards
Designed for durability under constant use
Children do not use structures passively. They climb, hang, swing and test boundaries. This creates load cases that differ significantly from traditional building structures.
A thorough Safety in Design process was applied from concept through to certification, ensuring the structure performs safely under real-world use while maintaining its visual and experiential intent.
Fabrication and Delivery
Magryn worked closely with Exhibition Studios throughout the fabrication process. Our team, including Alex Sturm and Will Souter, attended the Adelaide workshop during construction to review the build and verify that the structure aligned with the design intent and certification requirements.
This level of involvement ensured:
Accuracy between design and fabricated outcome
Early identification and resolution of any issues
Confidence in the final installed structure
Outcome
The completed coral reef structure delivers:
A visually engaging and immersive play environment
A structurally robust and compliant installation
A seamless integration of engineering and creative design
It is a project where structural engineering supports not just safety and performance, but also imagination and experience.
Ongoing Work
Magryn is currently involved in several other bespoke play structures and sculptural projects across Australia. These projects continue to push the boundary between engineering, architecture and public interaction.
View the Project
You can explore the finished installation on LinkedIn.
Working With Us
If you are developing a bespoke play structure, public installation or architecturally complex form, early structural input is critical.
We work closely with designers, fabricators and project teams to deliver structures that are safe, buildable and aligned with the original vision.
