– As an IB World School, we place great importance on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. When we set out to build a state-of-the-art playground, a sustainable approach was essential—and a key reason we chose Rampline.
Curiosity and lifelong learning
Sandnes International School’s (SDIS) values are rooted in fostering a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning. In this context, play is essential—something students don’t outgrow, but that sparks the excitement of exploring more and never stopping to play.
There is plenty of energy to burn, and the motor skills park is the place to climb, jump, balance and challenge yourself through play that sharpens focus, raises the heart rate and gets the muscles moving.
goodbye to microplastics and glue — hello to the smell of real wood
SDIS is the world’s first school with impact-absorbing surfacing made from Swan-labelled thermally modified pine. Many Norwegian schools have now adopted ShockDeck™—the wood-based safety surfacing—but SDIS is the first to use thermally modified pine in the top layer.
The school represents a significant innovation: microplastics, adhesive and chemicals have been replaced with pure wood. Here, children can play on a natural, environmentally friendly impact-absorbing surface with universal design. A tactile pattern is also integrated to improve slip resistance on wet and cold days. The solution is an important, tangible contribution to the school’s ambitions related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Diversity and inclusion
Low heights and versatile equipment lower the threshold, enabling as many children as possible to take part in play.
The schoolyard should meet both girls’ and boys’ needs for activity. Experience shows that many girls enjoy the free and creative play the motor skills park encourages, while boys are often drawn to mastering specific challenges—such as landing a particular jump on the trampoline or making it all the way across the slackline. Often, however, the most valuable aspect is the interaction that happens in the park: how children help, challenge and inspire one another.
With roll-friendly surfacing, the school also ensures that the park is appealing and accessible to children and young people who rely on a wheelchair.
– From concept and design to construction and completion, Rampline AS was an exceptional partner in this collaboration.
Matthew J Manfredi, school director SDIS
