About us
History
SIK-Holz® is an owner-managed, medium-sized company located in the Fläming region, south of Berlin. In 1988, under the conditions of a planned economy, Klaus-Peter and Claudia Gust founded a master workshop for wood sculpture, specializing in the planning, design, and production of customized children’s playground equipment made from robinia wood. Participation in international trade fairs in the early 1990s led to high demand for playground equipment made from chemically untreated wood and consequently to the company’s expansion to its current 230 employees. In 2021, the Gusts retired, and Marc Oelker became the company’s sole managing director. Since 2024, with the appointment of managing director Antje Gust, SIK-Holz® once again has a dual leadership structure. Together, they continue to uphold the company’s traditions while strengthening its future through new ideas and ongoing developments.
Play
Especially in large cities, people – and particularly children – are increasingly losing access to natural play spaces. Therefore, the planning of playgrounds and open spaces must primarily align with the needs of the users and enable free play. It is essential to strike a balance between promoting movement and sensory experiences, experiencing nature, fostering social interactions, and managing risks on these spaces. We are members of the standards committee “DIN 18034 Playgrounds and Open Spaces for Play” and the standards committee “DIN EN 1176 Safety on Children’s Playgrounds.” These committees compile and regularly update the principles for good and safe playground planning. The goal is to design playgrounds that provide high play value, ensure inclusion for all users, and comply with necessary safety requirements.
Design
Our children’s playground equipment is unique. Irregularities in growth, grain patterns, annual rings, knots, and roots give our sculptures and play structures their individuality. The natural form and texture of the wood are not only taken into account during the development of our playground equipment but also decisively shape the character, form, and impact of our creations. Connections and construction details reflect solid craftsmanship and compliance with standards. We deliberately design our playground equipment to create a dynamic tension in urban spaces and a harmonious interplay within natural landscapes. In addition to the individual design, we aim to raise awareness among our clients about the importance of various play values, movement sequences, and encouraging long-lasting engagement in their playground projects, ensuring these aspects are considered and planned for.
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