They are the cutest little cafes, market stalls, petrol stations and mud kitchens and since Canberra parents discovered them, they've been flying out of their Fyshwick warehouse.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Partners Michelle Templin and Colleen Cooper have imported cubbies for several years but it was only eight weeks ago they began selling their own home-made play pieces using recycled pallets.
The line, called Raw Range, hand-built by Michelle, has proved so successful she intends to concentrate fully on that and stop importing the other manufactured cubbies.
"We almost can't keep up with demand, especially for the mud kitchens,' she said."We're building them as fast as we can.''
The Raw Range includes a cafe, market stall, petrol station, rock climbing wall, mud kitchen, tee pee, activities table and sand pits. They are also custom-made, such as one for a little girl in Wanniassa, Vivi, who got a combined cafe and market stall.
The products are named after the couple's 10-year-old son Finn and nieces and nephews Alex, Bennie and Amelie.
Michelle, an IT manager, began building the Raw Range, when confronted with an empty warehouse and a strong desire to get away from the desk and show her creative side.
Colleen, who works in events, manages the promotion side of the business.
"I think it's worked so well in Canberra because we know Canberrans like that upcycled, green edge to it," Michelle said.
Michelle "scrounges" for pallets with Finn by her side.
"Finn and I jump in the ute every Sunday morning and collect pallets from areas we're allowed. We're very popular here [in Fyshwick] because the businesses otherwise have to pay for them to be taken away," she said.
They get assistance in building the pieces from a young carpenter, Sebastian Moloney.
And Michelle and Colleen know their market.
"You're a little person who is often found sipping on your babycino in Braddon. Little fellas counting down the days 'til they can grow their first hipster beards," their website reads.
"This is upcycling. No planets were harmed in the manufacturing, and each piece is handmade."
More details at canberrabackyards.com.au/raw-range
