Case study · Play & learning
Interactive Surface Graphics
Thermoplastic markings turn asphalt into curriculum — movement, number and teamwork without major equipment spend.
Impact metrics
Engagement & capital efficiency
Engagement and efficiency at a glance — games installed, uplift in structured outdoor time, product warranty and a tight site window.
Distinct games, trails or learning cues installed
More structured outdoor activity time
Year manufacturer warranty (typical product spec)
Typical install window — minimal disruption
Surface graphics often deliver fast payback versus large steel items: lower capital, quicker install, high daily touch frequency.
Product brochure (PDF)
Request the current thermoplastic graphics brochure by email — ideal for heads of estate and funding packs.
Request brochureWhen every metre of asphalt teaches or moves a child, capital works harder — without crowding the playground.
Film
See the space in use
Brief
Challenge & strategic response
More activity in the same footprint — supervision and curriculum aligned.
The challenge
Flat asphalt, flat variety
Usable yard but limited affordances; budget could not stretch to multiple new structures. The school needed hopscotch, trails, targets and team games with sightlines staff could read at busy times.
Our response
Co-designed graphic system
We aligned layouts with numeracy, movement and turn-taking — and with line management at pickup. Colours and contrast were chosen for inclusion and all-weather legibility.
Scope
Works package
Thermoplastic programmes are fast — scope clarity avoids on-site drift.
In scope
- Layout workshops with teaching staff; approved drawing set
- Surface preparation, priming and thermoplastic application to spec
- BS EN aligned materials and slip-resistant finish
- Colour palette for visibility, inclusion and brand / uniform contrast
- Aftercare guidance for cleaning and winter treatment
Out of scope
- Major asphalt resurfacing unless separately instructed
- Drainage upgrades beyond localised make-good
- Play equipment supply (unless bundled in wider project)
- Ongoing line repainting beyond warranty terms
Outcomes
What strong surface graphics deliver
Curriculum support, calmer flow at busy times, inclusion and a light touch on estates — high daily use without a major steel package.
01
Curriculum
Outdoor prompts for numeracy, literacy and movement without new storage.
02
Behaviour & flow
Structured games channel energy at peak times — calmer transitions.
03
Inclusion
High-contrast cues and varied game types widen participation.
04
Estates
Fast install limits site risk; phased expansion possible in later years.
Manufacturing & product
Material science & application control
How we controlled quality from factory batch to cooled joint on site.
Factory batches
Colour and granule mix tracked to avoid lot-to-lot variance on large schemes.
Preformed elements
Precision-cut pieces for complex games — faster heat fusion on site.
Substrate prep
Moisture and oil tests; mechanical prep and primer where specification demands.
Fusion process
Controlled heat window — trained installers, joint inspection before handover.
Slip & wear
Product data aligned to BS EN 1436 / slip expectations for play context.
Warranty pack
Manufacturer warranty statement and cleaning do’s / don’ts for estates.
Programme
Typical install timeline
Compressed delivery — ideal for holiday windows or phased break patterns.
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Day 0–1
Mobilisation & prep
Set up compound; clean and mechanically prepare asphalt; priming where required.
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Day 2–3
Layout & fusion
String lines and templates; heat fusion of preforms; roll checks on joints.
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Day 4
QC & demobilisation
Cooling period respected; snag photos; barrier removal and handover note.
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Post-install
Care briefing
Cleaning guidance; when to re-open to heavy traffic; warranty registration.
Delivery & handover
Site discipline & records
What the school receives beyond “fresh lines on the ground”.
- Risk assessments and method statements shared ahead of works
- Daily coordination with site manager / headteacher
- Photographic record of prep, fusion and finished layout
- Marked-up plan showing game IDs for future refresh phases
- Sign-off sheet with any weather-related caveats noted transparently
- Optional phased return-to-play schedule after curing
Client perspective
Thermoplastic gave us variety across the same asphalt — games and trails the children actually use. Installation was quick and supervision is easier because the layout is clear.
Representative of the feedback we aim for on similar commissions — we can share context on request.
Layer curriculum onto the surface you already own — fast, visible, and easy for staff to use tomorrow.
