11 Extraordinary Playhouses That Dream Big
Catch these imaginative custom playhouse designs before they find happily-ever-after homes off the show floor
Sliding barn doors, green walls, a loft space and slides are often on the wish lists of renovating homeowners. But they're also trending in 11 custom-designed playhouses from this year's Dreams Happen event, a biennial auction and fundraiser benefitting Rebuilding Together Peninsula. Using donated materials from local companies, San Francisco Bay Area architects and builders followed just one rule: Each playhouse could have a maximum footprint of 8 by 10 feet and be no taller than 10 feet, 6 inches. The rest of the design was left to each team's inner child.
Playhouses on Show
Where: Stanford Shopping Center, 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, California
When: Through June 8, 2013. Mall hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Auction and gala: June 1, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $115. Bids for the playhouses start at $5,000. More info
Playhouses on Show
Where: Stanford Shopping Center, 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, California
When: Through June 8, 2013. Mall hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Auction and gala: June 1, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.; tickets are $115. Bids for the playhouses start at $5,000. More info
The interior is accessible by sliding doors. Built-in shelves flank the interior center window; the floor features a custom comic strip by a local artist.
Box.O.Matic 3000
Design team: Ana Williamson Architects and Mediterraneo Design Build (this photo and next two)
Props: Marimekko
This modern modular structure is outfitted with lots of hidden surprises. An artificial-turf rooftop is accessible by a galvanized metal ladder made of plumbing pipes, while the yellow plaster pop-out window is actually a sitting nook. On the side hangs a rain chain.
Design team: Ana Williamson Architects and Mediterraneo Design Build (this photo and next two)
Props: Marimekko
This modern modular structure is outfitted with lots of hidden surprises. An artificial-turf rooftop is accessible by a galvanized metal ladder made of plumbing pipes, while the yellow plaster pop-out window is actually a sitting nook. On the side hangs a rain chain.
The exterior is covered in cement fiberboard and galvanized metal bands, while the entryway comprises two sliding Lexan plastic doors. The detachable aluminium trellis is decorated with hanging potted plants and also supports the circular swing inside.
"We wanted kids to play with the structure however they want to but also grow with it," says architect Libby Raab of Ana Williamson Architects. "It could be a rocket ship, a reading nook or even used as a writing studio for grown-ups."
"We wanted kids to play with the structure however they want to but also grow with it," says architect Libby Raab of Ana Williamson Architects. "It could be a rocket ship, a reading nook or even used as a writing studio for grown-ups."
Peninsula Creamery
Design team: Square Three Design Studios and Pete Moffat Construction (this photo and next two)
Props: Pottery Barn Kids and Sprinkles Cupcakes
Inspired by 1950s diners and an iconic local ice cream shop, this tiny structure is ideal for budding restaurateurs with its aluminum sliding ordering windows, serving counters and talk tube on the side for placing orders.
Design team: Square Three Design Studios and Pete Moffat Construction (this photo and next two)
Props: Pottery Barn Kids and Sprinkles Cupcakes
Inspired by 1950s diners and an iconic local ice cream shop, this tiny structure is ideal for budding restaurateurs with its aluminum sliding ordering windows, serving counters and talk tube on the side for placing orders.
Vintage milk cans from the original Peninsula Creamery double as kid-friendly dining stools out front. Natural stained Douglas fir lines the underside of the standing-seam metal roof.
A 4- by 5-foot loft inside has its own sliding window and balcony for an indoor-outdoor eating area, and is accessible by built-in shelving that doubles as a staircase. The kitchen features two sinks, one to hook up to a garden hose and another to hold ice and refreshments. A pint-size play range and Caesarstone countertops complete the space.
Home Base
Design team: SDG Architects and Chesler Construction (this photo and next)
Props: Edwards Luggage and Gymboree
This tiny version of AT&T park pays tribute to the San Francisco Giants, who won the 2012 World Series. Brick surrounds a porthole window, while a second story artificial-turf deck gives access to a twisty tube slide. On the side are a scoreboard and stadium seats.
Design team: SDG Architects and Chesler Construction (this photo and next)
Props: Edwards Luggage and Gymboree
This tiny version of AT&T park pays tribute to the San Francisco Giants, who won the 2012 World Series. Brick surrounds a porthole window, while a second story artificial-turf deck gives access to a twisty tube slide. On the side are a scoreboard and stadium seats.
A ladder of baseball bats signed by the team leads to the deck, and orange lockers store toys. This deluxe playhouse also includes a flat-screen TV for watching the games.
Safari Campout
Design team: Hayes Group Architects, Morris Engineering and South Bay Construction (this photo and next two)
Props: Pottery Barn
Outfitted with a Western red cedar roof and ipe decking, and pine support logs from a local tree farm, this structure has plenty of room for adventurous kids to explore.
Design team: Hayes Group Architects, Morris Engineering and South Bay Construction (this photo and next two)
Props: Pottery Barn
Outfitted with a Western red cedar roof and ipe decking, and pine support logs from a local tree farm, this structure has plenty of room for adventurous kids to explore.
A mini vertical garden grows in wall planters on the cement board siding. Kids can hang out in pint-size hammock chairs.
Clubhouse Loft
Design team: Arcanum Architecture and Behrens-Curry Homes (this photo and next)
Props: Bloomingdale's
A steel and Western red cedar butterfly roof tops this playhouse, which has operable exterior sliding window coverings on each side. "This was intended to be a creative space with duality — suitable for both introverts and extroverts," says architect Timothy Chapelle of Arcanum Architecture. "Kids can have fun playing with friends, but with the sliding doors, they can also separate themselves and have some quiet time to read or write." The top floor has an orange cedar sliding wall; on the side a steel door slides vertically.
Design team: Arcanum Architecture and Behrens-Curry Homes (this photo and next)
Props: Bloomingdale's
A steel and Western red cedar butterfly roof tops this playhouse, which has operable exterior sliding window coverings on each side. "This was intended to be a creative space with duality — suitable for both introverts and extroverts," says architect Timothy Chapelle of Arcanum Architecture. "Kids can have fun playing with friends, but with the sliding doors, they can also separate themselves and have some quiet time to read or write." The top floor has an orange cedar sliding wall; on the side a steel door slides vertically.
Behind the wood slat wall made of reclaimed Wyoming snowfence wood, a ladder leads to a tiny balcony and slide. Behind the slat wall is an 8-foot-tall Cor-Ten steel sliding wall.
A Modern Point of View
Design team: Gary J. Ahern and W.L. Butler Construction
Props: Crate & Barrel and Naartjie Kids
"My intent was to create a cantilevered glass observation deck," says architect Gary Ahern. With two distinct levels — a downstairs area that's a little more private, and an upper floor where kids can have sleepovers or look out over the yard — this tiny structure also features a balcony and slide for a quick exit. The exterior is a mix of stacked stone and ipe wood siding, while the roof is stainless steel standing-seam metal. Native grasses and horsetail are set up in a front planter that can accommodate drip irrigation.
The interior features LED lighting and a vertical-grain pine ceiling.
Design team: Gary J. Ahern and W.L. Butler Construction
Props: Crate & Barrel and Naartjie Kids
"My intent was to create a cantilevered glass observation deck," says architect Gary Ahern. With two distinct levels — a downstairs area that's a little more private, and an upper floor where kids can have sleepovers or look out over the yard — this tiny structure also features a balcony and slide for a quick exit. The exterior is a mix of stacked stone and ipe wood siding, while the roof is stainless steel standing-seam metal. Native grasses and horsetail are set up in a front planter that can accommodate drip irrigation.
The interior features LED lighting and a vertical-grain pine ceiling.
Ohana Hale
Design team: Cara Kuroda Design and Peninsula Custom Homes (this photo and next two)
Props: Janie and Jack, and Tommy Bahama
This island-inspired structure gives a design nod to the plantation style common from 1850 to 1950. “Ohana” in the Hawaiian language means "family," while “hale” (pronounced "HAH-leh") means "house" or "building." A surfboard serves as the first step into the playhouse, which is complete with a tiny porch.
Design team: Cara Kuroda Design and Peninsula Custom Homes (this photo and next two)
Props: Janie and Jack, and Tommy Bahama
This island-inspired structure gives a design nod to the plantation style common from 1850 to 1950. “Ohana” in the Hawaiian language means "family," while “hale” (pronounced "HAH-leh") means "house" or "building." A surfboard serves as the first step into the playhouse, which is complete with a tiny porch.
A custom mural depicting underwater sea life wraps around a seating nook inside, while a custom octopus cutout looks on.
Home is Where the Heart Is
Design team: Barbara Butler Artist-Builder (this photo and previous)
Props: Howard's Shoes for Children
This playhouse is as much a jungle gym, with its rock wall and hand‐woven rope net ladder, as it is a secret fort. Each climbing apparatus leads to a porthole that's an alternative entry to the loft inside.
Design team: Barbara Butler Artist-Builder (this photo and previous)
Props: Howard's Shoes for Children
This playhouse is as much a jungle gym, with its rock wall and hand‐woven rope net ladder, as it is a secret fort. Each climbing apparatus leads to a porthole that's an alternative entry to the loft inside.
The Red Barn
Design team: John Onken Architects, Thor Construction, Menlo Park Firefighters Association
Props: Ralph Lauren
This carefully crafted playhouse version of Stanford University's iconic Red Barn and equestrian center is designed to appeal to those who love to ride horses, and a reminder of why they love riding in the first place. It's large enough inside for an adult to stand up.
Design team: John Onken Architects, Thor Construction, Menlo Park Firefighters Association
Props: Ralph Lauren
This carefully crafted playhouse version of Stanford University's iconic Red Barn and equestrian center is designed to appeal to those who love to ride horses, and a reminder of why they love riding in the first place. It's large enough inside for an adult to stand up.
The Little Mountain Cabin
Design team: Pacific Peninsula Group
Props: La Baguette and Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine
This little cabin features cedar lap siding with painted trim and planters outside; there's a built-in play kitchen with a limestone countertop and stainless steel sink inside. A cozy window seat and a living area lead to a loft accessible by ladder.
Design team: Pacific Peninsula Group
Props: La Baguette and Williams-Sonoma Grand Cuisine
This little cabin features cedar lap siding with painted trim and planters outside; there's a built-in play kitchen with a limestone countertop and stainless steel sink inside. A cozy window seat and a living area lead to a loft accessible by ladder.
Château Chien Doghouse
Design team: Winges Architects, Hooper Construction & Remodeling
Props: Frette and Kiehl’s
This darling Craftsman-style structure made of cedar shingle siding and ipe wood flooring is the only doghouse entry this year. It’s big enough for one large dog or two small ones to snooze inside or take in the surroundings while standing watch.
Tell us: Which would you want to play in?
See more photos of the playhouses
Design team: Winges Architects, Hooper Construction & Remodeling
Props: Frette and Kiehl’s
This darling Craftsman-style structure made of cedar shingle siding and ipe wood flooring is the only doghouse entry this year. It’s big enough for one large dog or two small ones to snooze inside or take in the surroundings while standing watch.
Tell us: Which would you want to play in?
See more photos of the playhouses
Design team: Inhabiture Design (this photo and next)
Props: Baby Gap, Gap Kids and Gap
This geometric cedar wood structure can definitely grow with a child and be used as an adult sanctuary, office or home studio. The side slats provide a resting place for planters.