Giant Marble Run at Eden Project
We are delighted to share our latest Giant Marble Run installation, at the magnificent and inspiring Eden Project in Cornwall. Tasked to create a bespoke trail leading visitors through the gardens, we put our design and engineer skills to use once again. The result is eight unique sections with a variety of features, where children and adults (of course!) can chase their wooden balls down hill, hoist them up high and play various games. Fun for all the family!
Inclusivity was prioritised at every stage of the design, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can engage with the trail in different ways, whether through active movement, sensory interaction, problem solving or quiet observation. The multi-generational aspect of giant marble runs make them a truly unique play feature. This Eden Project installation showcases many unique elements, explore through the photos and details section below. And get in touch if you’re looking to install a bespoke giant marble run!
“It was an utter pleasure to work with the entire team at Green Play Project. Every member of the team had a passion to deliver something fun and clever for people to engage with. It certainly wasn’t an off the shelf, rinse and repeat product, this is bespoke work, designed and delivered to a high standard of care and well thought out.”
Kate Francis, Eden Project
Detail 01. Long Runs
Over 100m of wooden tracks make up the marble run trail, each section with its own unique features. These include the bumpy sections shown here, that none other than King Charles had a go on! Along with chimes to create sounds, unexpected jumps and metal spirals. Set at a range of heights and angles to variate speed, each section of the trail provides something new to discover.
Detail 02. Racing
A bit of healthy competition is a good thing! This section of the trail allows you to race your opponent to see whose ball reaches the end first. With several points where the balls can overtake each other, and a section that can drop a ball off before the end, is it luck or skill that creates a winner? You’ll have to have a go to find out!
Detail 03. Eden’s Garden
Inspired by the wild edge at the Eden Project, the garden forms a central and engaging pause point along the wider trail. Set within an open space overlooking the biomes, it is designed for multi-use play, blending play and discovery to reflect the character of the site while offering a rich and immersive marble run experience. There’s plenty for all the family to enjoy; racing balls, hoisting them up to the overhead tracks, challenging friends on the ‘cornhole’ style game and watching the balls decent with a satisfying ‘clonk’ down the colourful towers. Accessible pathways weave through the space, creating opportunities for both pausing and active play for all.
Detail 04. Games
Features like the maze tables allow you to test your problem solving skills and patience as you move the giant wooden table in all directions to guide your ball to the centre point. Trickier than you’d think!
Detail 05. Archimedes’ Screw
Several sections of the marble run trail require lifting the balls to an overhead track. A firm favourite is our bespoke Archimedes’ Screw, where turning the lever hoists the wooden balls up high, ready to be released on their downhill journeys.
Get in touch
Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you have and discuss your needs. We’d love to hear from you.
Call on 07362429481
Email hello@greenplayproject.co.uk
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