Destiny Doghouse

Builder: LL Development

-Dog house dimensions 5'x8' with a 4 1/2 ' "interior" height.

-Bamboo interior floors

-Large "double flap" doggy door

-"Broan" silent ventilation activated by a motion sensor when your dog walks through the door

A dream home for the very, very special dog.

TradePartners'® Farmhouse

Builder: Shea Homes® in partnership with TradePartners'®

For kids growing up in metropolitan Southern California, a farmhouse is something they probably only know from watching reruns of “Little House on the Prairie.” Imagine if they could experience the rural lifestyle firsthand. That’s the promise of our TradePartners’® Farmhouse.

With red wood siding, custom-cut wood roof shingles, multi-pane windows and a welcoming front porch, this playhouse captures the classic look of a traditional American farmhouse and sets the scene for memorable moments that rival an episode of “The Waltons.”

Step inside and step back to a simpler time with such rustic touches as an exposed beam ceiling, hardwood floor, oak cabinets, and a cozy loft with a working fireplace and a kid-size chair and ottoman...perfect for curling up by the fire. And children will dig into an old-fashioned farm-style meal when it’s served on an authentic John Deere table with matching tractor-motif chairs.

Of course, this farmhouse also showcases many modern features, including a granite countertop, brushed nickel fixtures and low-E window glass for energy efficiency.

Inside and out, our TradePartners’® Farmhouse could well be the answer to the age-old question, “How you gonna’ keep ‘em down on the farm?”

Rock the House

Builder: K. Hovnanian® Homes®

Architect: Edinger Architects

Get ready to get your game on!

Capturing the hip imagination of childhood with a futuristic video game house, K. Hovnanian Homes® has created the ideal playhouse where children can test their computer skills and rock out to the latest Guitar Hero playlist.

This high tech playhouse that is sure to impress even the most experienced game player has a rich contemporary exterior enhanced by Plexiglas lit panels. The interior décor reflects a relaxed atmosphere that is embellished with recessed can lighting, built-in cabinets to store game components and an under counter refrigerator for time out refreshments.

“Rock the House” is a very fun, yet educational playhouse that will bring kids together for exciting game time activities. Offering comfortable game chairs and commercial grade carpet for a flat but comfortable surface, children and adults alike will enjoy using the Wii gaming console. All of the latest games, accessories and extra components for competitive play are available including the exercise and sports games. Other highlights are a 42” flat screen wall mount television and surround sound within a functional game house. The stage is set; “Rock the House” - the ultimate in entertainment fun is waiting to be enjoyed by everyone!

Forever Fashionable Beach House

Builder: W Custom Homes in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM)

Architect: Hove Design Alliance and Ransom Group Ltd.

A Beach House with an "interior motive."

Inside and out, the design is conceived to keep children engaged in a game of changing atmospheres … and the charm of the house is evidenced in the detailed rendering you see here. Quality and craftsmanship are reflected exquisitely throughout the house and spacious interior. Exotic, vintage Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring inside and out authentically aged by time and Mother Nature… tell its story of dense, rare forests. Architectural structure and subtle Venetian Plaster walls detail the interior.

Young minds can explore endless relationships of forms and objects in this beach house "design laboratory"… according to the children’s experiments and whims, the playroom can look many different ways. They can change fabric covered panels to fit a mood … modular seating, comprised of two chairs and an ottoman, can be moved into different configurations … or they can mix forms in the room, adding all manner of other things, such as books, seashells, and toys.
Whether the house is placed at a real or fantasy beach, children are engrossed and entertained with how many different ways they can make their magical playhouse come to life.

Little Bali Hut

Builder: Pridemark Contractors

Artchitect: EBTA Architects

The sun setting on the sea’s horizon, the rhythmic lapping of waves against a sandy shore…you’re in California, or maybe somewhere lost in the tropics…

Inspired by the unique style of the south pacific, the “little Bali Hut” features characteristic details of the region’s tropical architecture including hand-painted tapered columns, Ornamental sliding doors that disappear into wall pockets when opened, Venetian plastered walls with exposed decorative framing, all in native mahogany. Relax in the built-in sofa, under the volume ceiling or take a nap in the bunks, and a state-of-the-art entertainment system to this palapa-roofed escape, creates an environment your children (or you, for that matter!) will never want to leave. It’s the perfect tropical getaway… right in your own backyard!

The desire to bring the beautiful land and seascapes of the exterior world into the home is implicit in the tropical jungles of Bali. This concept is exemplified by the “little Bali Hut” – with the decorative paneled sliding doors closed, you are enveloped in a finely detailed home that provides protection from tropical storms; throw all the pocketing doors open and you can still have shelter while being able to connect with the world around you.

Lyon's Bistro Amici

Builder: William Lyon Homes
Architect: Lind & Associates

Buon Appetito!!

Inspired by the small Italian village cafe, William Lyon Homes, Inc. has designed a playhouse that will captivate children and adults.

This picturesque little house will inspire those budding entrepreneurs beyond their imagination. Built on tradition and nostalgia, the interior boasts designer touches through out, creating a fun but intimate dining atmosphere. It includes fashionable Venetian plaster walls, stained wood beam ceilings, distressed hardwood flooring and charming custom crafted cabinetry. A faux brick oven, working sink and luxurious counter top will arouse the little chef within. The flat screen TV and DVD player provide hours of entertainment and opportunities to get caught up on the latest cooking techniques. Happiness is definitely home made in this Mediterranean delight!!

Honoring the Italian culture, with its old world European plaster finish, large front deck, and decorative awnings, reminiscent of a village storefront, the appealing exterior will accentuate any home and garden. Handsome masonry accents and an authentic tile roof compliment the architecture while handcrafted French doors articulate the indoor/outdoor ambiance of a bustling, corner bistro.

William Lyon Homes is proud to be participating in its 18thAnnual Project Playhouse. We are extremely grateful to our contributors who generously donated their time and experience to help build our Bistro Amici – “Restaurant of Friends”. We are excited to be part of HomeAid’s effort to provide shelter for the temporarily homeless in our community.

So come on in….and enjoy the aroma of what a creative imagination and giving can bring.

Serendib Boathouse

Builder: Black Diamond Builders
Architect: David A. Kaech & Associates

Exploration of the imagination and journeys to places around the world in your own backyard.

Serendib Boathouse is filled with treasures. Fabrics, books, toys and games direct from artisans in Sri-Lanka, the point of inspiration for this wonderful playhouse. To add to this there are wooden toys, books and games, a trunk full of dress up costumes and enough art supplies to keep the most creative child busy for a long time. We have also included, hand crafted furniture from reclaimed woods and a nautical salvaged ladder leading to the hideaway loft. On the outside there is an art station, for some of those messier art projects, complete with a drop down table to work on. There is even a small boat tied to the dock for those imaginary journeys.

The playhouse is constructed with the latest in sustainable building technology; Structural Insulated Panels for year round maximum comfort, Low-e windows, Zero VOC paints, cool metal roofing. The refinished maple flooring was reclaimed from a local gymnasium and part of the exterior detail is from reclaimed wood shutters. The exterior is durable Hardie panel siding that is resistant to moisture, fire and insects. Power for the playhouse, while on display, is provided by a Solar PV system.

Serendib Boathouse was built in alignment with the Build It Green, GreenPoint Rated Checklist as a reference standard. The GreenPoint Rated program helps consumers find green homes, understand green benefits, recognize green features, and have assurance they’re actually getting a healthy, environmentally responsible home.

Best of all, it’s a haven of world exploration for your child.

Ayubowan ! Welcome to Serendib Boathouse.

"Sitting Pretty in Provence"

Builder Rodeo Homes with the McMackin Family

Architect: Richard Krantz Architecture

For those who have visited the South of France and those who have dreamed of the delights of a splendid vacation in the region, this playhouse is a welcome invitation to make that visit in your own backyard.

The enchanting warmth and exuberant spirit of a pretty Provencal farmhouse perfectly adapts to our Southern California climate. This tiny rural cottage is a celebration of that regional style fashioned with arched multipaned windows and weathered painted shutters. The sun bleached yellow stucco color is cheerful and uplifting. Craftsmanship and artistry are exhibited in the unique Provence aesthetic with its distinctive exquisitely crafted decorative style and vivid color palette. Inspired artisans have worked exclusively with natural materials of wood, stone and clay, all composed to create a distinct harmony of rustic details, such as authentic Provence region roof tiles and wrought iron patterns.

We enter this inner world through an elegant front door and discover fine plaster walls and a stone mantled fireplace at the heart of the home. The traditional small oval windows counter the brilliant summertime sun and allow soft light to reflect on the delights of the colors and ambience of a holiday in Provence. French doors allow refreshing currents of air with access to the garden reminiscent of early lavender hued evenings out on the back porch. A kitchen sink and storage cabinets with the familiar Rooster motif complement the interior space, while a notebook computer desk and flat screen monitor hint that modern technology can still blend with country charm.

This playhouse provides a sense of comfortable privacy and retreat that would fit into any child’s backyard world just steps away from their family house.
Certainly many delightful moments await those who wish to live “Sitting Pretty in Provence”.

UCI Facilities Management Team's Playhouse

12 Cliffside Drive built by UCI Facilities Managment Team is moving into Irvine Spectrum Center®. This adorable Victorian Beach House will be installed into Project Playhouse® Village tonight and will premiere to the public on Saturday, August 1.

Sneak Peek at 2009 Playhouses

The architectual plans are in and the playhouses are under construction. This year's designs are fabulous. Eight fantasy playhouses will be up for auction on Sept. 12. One lucky person may win the 2009 Opportunity Drawing playhouse - Choco's Fantasy Farmhouse. Designed by WBSA Architects and will be built by McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. in partnership with CHOC Children's. Tickets are only $1 and will be on sale soon.