Cheatcode Playground

RAW Commercial Projects delivered a striking fitout for Cheatcode Playground — a nervous system regulation clinic where dark, moody design meets warmth and wonder, creating a space where science and magic feel like the same thing.

Cheatcode Playground

100 sqm

16 weeks

22 Ballow Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

The Brief

Cheatcode Playground is a nervous system regulation clinic with a clear and considered vision for their space — subtly fun, genuinely warm, and designed where wellness connects with technology. The brief called for dark colours throughout, with a design language that sits at the intersection of science and magic. RAW Commercial Projects was engaged to bring that vision to life, creating an environment that feels both grounding and quietly dramatic.

The Outcome

Cheatcode Playground is exactly what the brief called for — a dark, moody, and deeply considered space that feels unlike anything else. The lit arches, the coffee area, the careful balance of drama and warmth — it all comes together into an environment that genuinely reflects the unique nature of what Cheatcode Playground offers. A project the RAW team is proud of, and one that shows what’s possible when a client trusts the process even when things don’t go entirely to plan.

The Design

The design delivers on the brief with confidence. A welcoming coffee area greets clients on arrival, setting a friendly and approachable tone before drawing them deeper into the space. Lit arches add drama and mystery to the wellness area — a considered detail that reinforces the sense of stepping into something a little out of the ordinary. Dark tones anchor the palette throughout, balanced by warmth in the materials and lighting to ensure the space never feels cold or clinical. The result is an environment that feels genuinely distinctive — moody and immersive, but never unwelcoming.

Construction

The project ran smoothly overall, with a strong team of contractors who adapted well throughout the build. The main curveball was the failure of the existing air conditioning system mid-project. Rather than proceeding with a like-for-like replacement, RAW redesigned the system and relocated the condenser to the car park instead of the roof — avoiding craneage, additional materials, and unnecessary labour costs for the client. The trade-off was the need to obtain body corporate approval before proceeding, which added time to that phase of the works. The mechanical issue also disrupted the normal sequencing — joinery installation and painting in affected ceiling areas were held back until the new system was in place. The contractors on site understood this wasn’t the typical way a RAW project runs and adapted without fuss, and the client’s trust and understanding throughout made an enormous difference. The project was delivered with minimal delay despite the disruption.