Weaving a net with no trees

One of the key constraints of any tree net is the shape and dimensions of the trees you're working with. But what if you remove that constraint entirely and get to choose your anchor points from the start? That was the opportunity I was given when I was asked to build a net in the backyard of a desert Airbnb in Sedona.


In the place of trees, we had a landscaping team install 11 upcycled telephone poles to act as the structure, so then the real challenge became deciding where exactly to place the poles. To do this, I used Sketchup to build models of different ideas with the client, all circling the idea of 3 terraced platforms with two ways up and down so kids could make a complete loop through the net.


The idea we landed on was to have the terraces act as the ramp on one side and a semi spiral ascent on the other, but once I got to the property, we realized one of the poles was cut short, which forced me to redesign it on the fly and flip the layout.

For the build, we started with the strips pattern on the 3 platforms, then connected using climbing ramps with chaos pattern and embedded rings. While my cousin Kevin, who I taught to help out on the project, focused on the platforms, I tackled the most ambitious element which was the spiral leading to the top platform.


The spiral was formed by establishing an outer perimeter with eye bolts, then suspending and tensioning an inner perimeter. I knew we needed to keep the head room clear above the spiral to avoid anyone getting stepped on (or bounced on?), so the challenge was how to pull the suspended curve of the top platform without pulling it directly horizontal with more paracord that would cut off the headroom for climbers. The solution was to split the load between the spiral side wall below and the side wall of the upper platform, allowing the curve to hold in place while keeping the space above the spiral open.

The project ended up taking 8 long weaving days and resulted in an epic play structure for families to enjoy when they visit Sedona. For me, it also clarified something unexpected. Having total control over the anchor points was liberating in one way, but it also gave me an appreciation for how much trees influence/guide the design of a net.


For more on the design/build process, you can find a video I made here.


If you'd like to stay at this Airbnb and experience the net in person, you can find the listing here. 


Stats:

  • 151 Total Square Feet
  • 6000' of Paracord
  • 500' of Rope
  • 10" Telephone Poles
  • 5/8" and 1/2" Eye Bolts


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