Inspired by South Australia’s Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), the sculptural play tower brings a landscape story into the airport experience. Netted climbs, platforms, ladders and dual slides create different routes and levels of challenge, giving younger children and teenagers alike a chance to move, explore and build confidence before departure.

With space at a premium, TCL’s design builds upward, making the most of a small footprint while creating a playful landmark within the terminal. The project also needed to respond to the particular demands of an operational airport, balancing play value with safety, durability, visibility, cleaning and construction requirements.

TCL worked closely with Adelaide Airport Limited, Woods Bagot, PT Design, Play DMC and Iguana Creative to bring the playdeck to life, creating a small but memorable landscape for movement, imagination and a little pre-flight adrenaline.

2026 Winner AILA SA | Landscape Architecture Award, Small Projects