The Becon cubby is inspired by geometry and activity

It was a well timed Instagram post that got Becon Constructions on board with the Kids Under Cover Cubby House Challenge this year.

The whimsically titled Rocky Road will be the first entry from the Master Builders who have collaborated with Watson Young Architects on the cubby house.

Project Manager Travis Mundy explained how a brief discussion with Becon Director John Lehmann and a Master Builders Instagram post calling for entries prompted the commercial builder to enter.

“We’d been aware of the event and the innovative and fun fundraising event in past years and were interested in being involved,” he said.

“However it was actually an Instagram post from Master Builders promoting the event that really got us moving on this and contacting Kids Under Cover.”

The concept for Rocky Road is a two level collision of rudimentary shapes. It features an iridescent, geodesic orb, a black cube and a second level viewing platform reached via a triangular climbing wall that doubles as an obstacle course. There are rigid ropes for children to climb around.

The interior features artificial grass floors and walls, mirrors and a rock climbing wall. There will be cushions (hand sewn by Watson Young architecture student staffer Mary Hou) and other handmade toys all designed to reflect the shapes and finish of the overall scheme.

“We’ve really enjoyed the process so far,” Mr Mundy said.

“This is a project that’s not commercially motivated more to do something that’s really special. Kids have to have a space where they can pretend and make believe.”

The pairing with Watson Young is among a range of partnerships employed for the project. Other project partners include Viridian, Berwick Fabrications, Atkar and Dulux.

“In terms of building the cubby, we have a few of our own carpenters who will be framing up the structure and doing a lot of the assembly work,” Mr Mundy said.

“We also have a generous subcontractor base who are contributing time and materials”

The project team have begun work on the cubby and are filming a time lapse of their progress that Master Builders will share at a later date.

The Kids Under Cover Cubby House Challenge will take place at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in from 21 to 25 March. Visit https://www.kuc.org.au/get-involved/cubby-house-challenge/ for more information about the event.