Such Great Heights is a local Adelaide design business. I first saw their work at Bowerbird Bazaar and I am quietly hoping to see them again this month when the event returns. They adopt a style that I would describe as retro chic. Reviving the nostalgic thoughts of camping or as would be the case for many people; those days of Saturday morning cartoons, Hanna Barbara and reading adventure novels such as the Boy’s and Girl’s own annual. The flagship product from this group is their “wonder tent”.
This tent is constructed from printed fabric atop sturdy wooden struts. These fit together easily and are made from Western Australian Karri and Jarrah. As these are hard woods they are solid and will definitely last a lifetime. They are constructed to form a triangular prism the shape to reflect the iconic tent of yesteryear. The struts are designed to be slightly longer at the top, providing a feature which might reflect the assemblage of such a tent from sticks as a boy scout might do. The lower step has been visually softened and shaped to reflect a worn edge and in a practical way provides less of a tripping hazard for little people. The medium weight cotton canvas has a range of prints which reflect patterns popular in the 60’ and 70’s; with floral prints and geometric shapes. The colours used, compliment the wooden frames and enhance the shape.
This design is reflective of a “simpler time” often portrayed in movies and evokes feelings of elegance and simplicity. It has an attractive array of coverings making it able to fit with any home décor.
The Wonder tent in action at Bowerbird Bazaar
This is a design primarily for indoors though it would appear that the tent would be able to function virtually anywhere as it comes packed in its own water proof bag. This design also has a visual strength in the utilisation of polished wood.
It appears sturdy and well-constructed; this is a rare feature in the world of today, where manufacturers often choose cheaper materials to save cost and design objects have a built-in obsolescence to make the consumer buy more. I think that we want to go back to an age where things lasted and simplicity was a feature!
With the internet flooding people’s lives with images of the new and latest technologies; toys that do not enhance the imagination of children as they once did. This is the humble play tent for children; no bells or whistles attached. Just good design!
