Using simple and safe cardboard cutting machines called Chomp Saws, participants worked with recycled cardboard to design and construct large scale structures. These were designed to be filled with soil and seeded with clover, allowing them to grow into living pieces of furniture and playful installations that could bring new life to overlooked spaces.

A key part of the project was that local children and families were involved in shaping the ideas. Working with MIMA Saturday Club and Discovery Academy, participants developed the initial design concepts and helped imagine what these structures could look like in their neighbourhoods.

The finished pieces are installed in green spaces close to both institutions, helping animate underused areas and introduce playful, social and green elements into everyday environments. The project demonstrated how creative making and simple materials can transform how people experience and care for public space.

Sawdust is now open to developing Street Sprouts in other locations. If you are interested in bringing one to your local green space, school or community project, we welcome conversations about future collaborations.

This project was commissioned by Borderlands Creative People and Places Programme.