Our giant cardboard koala instantly gives a space personality. Whether it’s part of an Australian-themed activation, a wildlife campaign, or something more playful and unexpected, it draws people in without needing much explanation.
It can be scaled up for impact or kept slightly more compact depending on where it needs to live. Either way, it tends to become the thing people photograph, gather around, and remember.
How It Works
For larger builds, the sculpture is usually made in sections so it can be transported and assembled onsite. Once installed, the joins are designed to blend into the form so the piece reads as a single object.
Even though it’s cardboard, it’s designed to hold its shape across multi-day events, exhibitions, and installations.
Customisation and Branding
Shape, Style and Scale
The koala can be adapted quite a lot depending on the brief.
- Sizes can range from around 1.5m tall through to large-scale 3m+ feature pieces
- The pose can change, sitting, climbing, holding signage, interacting with other elements
Colours, Finishes and Graphics
There are a few different ways to approach the finish:
- Natural cardboard for a warm, raw look
- Painted finishes for more realism or bold colour blocking
- Printed or branded elements integrated into the surface
- Layered details to create texture like fur, facial features, or pattern
Interactive Elements
For activations or public spaces, the koala can also become interactive:
- Built-in signage or messaging
- Photo moments where people can sit beside or inside the structure
- Integration into a larger set or environment
This is usually where the design becomes more than a sculpture and starts working as part of the experience.
Sustainability
Everything is designed with end-of-life and reuse in mind.
The koala is primarily made from responsibly sourced cardboard, which can be recycled after use or repurposed into future builds. Because it’s lightweight compared to traditional materials, transport emissions are lower and installation is more efficient.
We often design these pieces so they can be:
- Reused across multiple events
- Re-skinned or updated with new branding
- Broken down and recycled at the end of their life
Businesses are increasingly expected to think about the impact of what they produce and use. Choosing cardboard for large-scale installations is one way to reduce waste without losing visual impact.
It aligns with a broader shift toward more responsible, regenerative ways of creating environments and experiences.
Ideal Applications
This kind of sculpture works best when it’s given space to be seen and interacted with.
Common uses include:
- Brand activations and campaigns
- Trade shows and exhibition stands
- Museum and gallery installations
- Wildlife or environmental education spaces
- Retail displays and window installations
- Festivals, community events, and public activations
- Theatre and set design
It can stand alone as a hero piece or be integrated into a larger environment with other cardboard elements.
FAQs
Can we customise the design to match our campaign?
Yes, that’s usually where these projects get interesting. The size, pose, colours, and level of detail can all be adapted to suit your concept.
Can it be reused?
Yes. Many clients reuse sculptures across multiple events or update them with new branding. We can design with this in mind from the start.
How is it transported and installed?
Larger pieces are built in sections for transport and assembled onsite. They’re relatively lightweight compared to traditional materials, which makes logistics easier.
How long does it take to design and build?
It depends on the scale and complexity, but most projects sit within a 4–6 week timeframe from concept to install.