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“As a first-time business owner, finding the right partner to bring the WirbelZwirbel concept to life was my biggest challenge. Four Little Pigs was the only team that truly understood my vision for a bespoke, magical fox-den environment.”
— Alice, Co-Founder, WirbelZwirbel
Creating a Magical Woodland World for Families
When Alice and Nicola first approached Four Little Pigs, we were immediately impressed by how thoughtfully they had developed their concept. They had identified a genuine need in their local area of Basel: a place where little ones could play safely and independently, while parents could take a moment to breathe, connect with others and simply enjoy a warm cup of coffee.
Their vision went far beyond creating a beautiful play space. They wanted to build something that would make a meaningful difference to the local community while also developing a successful family business.
We still remember our first meeting clearly, with their little one sleeping peacefully in a baby carrier as we spoke. It was a wonderfully authentic introduction to Alice and Nicola. From that first conversation, we could feel that this would be a true family business—warm-hearted, personal and rooted in a sincere desire to create something special for the community.
We connected with their vision very quickly. Soon afterwards, Alice and Nicola sent us a simple hand-drawn sketch showing how they imagined the space. It may have been a small drawing, but it was filled with character, ideas and ambition.
That heartfelt first conversation and hand-drawn sketch would eventually evolve into the magical woodland world that stands in Oberwil Basel-Land today.
The Brief
WirbelZwirbel was created to bridge a gap in the local market for a safe, convenient and high-quality play environment designed specifically for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The concept was inspired by a hidden fox den deep in the forest—a magical place where children could explore, climb, imagine and play while their parents relaxed nearby with a coffee.
The challenge was to create a space that combined several important priorities:
- An immersive natural environment with a strong visual identity
- Bespoke play experiences for children aged 0–4
- A separate, protected area for babies aged 0–18 months
- Activities supporting balance, confidence and motor development
- Clear sightlines so parents could remain connected to their children
- Durable and easy-to-maintain materials
- A warm, natural aesthetic rather than an industrial play-centre appearance
- A design developed in accordance with the applicable playground safety requirements
Following a competitive tender involving 21 companies, Alice and Nicola selected Four Little Pigs because of our ability to translate their bespoke digital concepts and early sketches into functional, buildable play structures.
Bringing the Fox Den to Life
WirbelZwirbel immerses children in a magical woodland world filled with natural colours, warm wooden textures and bespoke forest-inspired features.
At its heart is the Forest Mezzanine, framed by two sculptural trees and featuring an obstacle course, rope elements, a V-shaped bridge and a much-loved double slide. Together, these activities encourage movement, balance, confidence and imaginative play.
For babies aged 0–18 months, the dedicated Fox Hole provides a safe soft-play environment with gentle textures and sensory features. Toddlers and preschoolers can explore the Role-Play Village, complete with a workbench, market and forest kitchen.
Every element was designed to balance creativity with clear visibility, durability, hygiene and easy maintenance.
Trust, Transparency and Collaboration
As a first-time business owner making a significant investment, Alice needed a design partner she could trust.
“What set Four Little Pigs apart was their absolute trustworthiness. They never made a promise without first verifying feasibility, which gave me immense confidence throughout the process.”
Clear and transparent communication remained central to the collaboration. Every idea was carefully considered from the perspective of creativity, construction, safety and everyday operation before being developed further.
Unlike contractors offering standard, industrial-style steel structures, we focused on the bespoke wooden aesthetic Alice and Nicola had envisioned. Working closely together, we transformed their sketches and digital renderings into a practical, physical environment without losing the warmth and magic of the original concept.
“Four Little Pigs successfully translated their digital renderings into a functional, physical reality. Their commitment to clear, transparent communication throughout the entire process was invaluable.”
Designed for Real-Life Operation
The project was developed with both the visitor experience and the long-term operation of the business in mind.
Durable, easy-to-clean materials were selected for high-use areas, while a practical maintenance and procurement strategy was established for components that experience regular wear. This allows frequently used play elements to be refreshed or replaced efficiently, helping the space retain its quality over time.
Clear communication around house rules—including sock policies, food restrictions and hygiene requirements—also helps the team manage visitor expectations and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
The project was developed in accordance with EN 1176 playground safety standards and the applicable Swiss safety requirements. Following installation, the completed play environment was inspected and certified as compliant.
More Than a Play Café
WirbelZwirbel is more than an indoor playground. It is a place where families can spend meaningful time together, children can develop through play and parents can relax while remaining connected to their little ones.
By responding to a genuine need in the Basel-Land community, Alice and Nicola have created a destination that feels personal, purposeful and full of heart.
Documenting the journey—from their first hand-drawn sketch through design development, construction and final installation—also allowed the story behind the space to become part of the WirbelZwirbel experience. Families could follow its transformation and connect with the vision before the doors had even opened.
A Design That Continues to Deliver
Since opening, the space has already been tested and loved by many little adventurers.
Children are naturally drawn to the trees, bridges, slides and imaginative village, while parents appreciate the calm atmosphere, clear visibility and thoughtful balance between play and relaxation.
The result demonstrates how a strong original vision, supported by careful design and close collaboration, can become something both magical and commercially practical.
Alice explains:
“I would wholeheartedly recommend Four Little Pigs to any business owner looking for a partner who prioritises quality, customisation and reliability.”
The Result
Today, WirbelZwirbel stands as a distinctive family destination in Basel-Land—a magical fox den where babies, toddlers and preschoolers can explore, climb, create and play.
For Four Little Pigs, the project represents everything we love to design: imaginative spaces rooted in a strong story, developed around the real needs of families and created to bring lasting value to the communities they serve.