Challenge

Edward and Louise Croftbaker approached Massey & Harris Engineering as they were taking part in 'Double Your House for Half the Money' on Channel 4.

The Buckinghamshire project involved cutting into a bank at the back of the house in order to extend and the clients wanted a quick and safe way for their children to get from the high level of the garden to the kitchen back door.

A slide seemed to be the perfect solution.

Solution

After initial consulation over the phone, it was decided that a slide should fit on the embankment and that, unusually, the slope may even be too steep.

One of the problems involved making sure that despite the close proximity of the house, the end of the runout posed no safety issues as the children came to the end of the slide.

After a visit to meet Edward and Louise, Massey & Harris took accurate levels and designed the slide. It was engineered to include a curve that ensured the safety run-off aspect at the end of the slide.

With approval from programme presenter Sarah Beeny, manufacturing was undertaken in time for the big reveal.

Outcome

Sarah had expressed concerns about the height and steepness of the embankment after the client had cut into the land for the extension.

So the inclusion of the slide enables Edward and Louise's two children to come down the bank quickly and safey and also provides a fun element for friends to enjoy.

Massey & Harris' slight alterations to the standard slide design enabled it to fit in with the landscaping. The bound rubber mulch recommended adds additional safety around the slide chute.