Our Pasadena treehouse project is moving from the stick-out to the construction phase. Like all our custom jobs, the structure will be built at our shop in South San Francisco and assembled on-site. Shown above, the jewel-colored palette the client has chosen includes several shades of blue and purple as well…
Read MoreEvery custom structure that we build begins with a site visit and some creative brainstorming. The family describes their needs and Barbara looks at any unusual or challenging features of the outdoor space. In this case, drastic changes in elevation were the key features to work around. Above, Barbara has…
The day of the big reveal: Just in time for a birthday party, we unveiled the finished treehouse bedecked with a massive red bow. You may recall that during the construction process, we covered it each night with black cloth so as to not spoil the surprise. (See this post.) Inside, the…
Though we specialize in tree houses, we’ve made our fair share of sandboxes over the years, too. We start with the same sustainable redwood that we use for all of our structures, handcraft the box to the desired shape and then add our vivid tung oil stains for maximum appeal.…
At work on this Atherton treehouse, Barbara breaks out the coffee tool box, complete with everything she needs to brew up some potent java and keep the crew properly fueled. To support the weight of the treehouse without harming the tree, we use a special bolt called the Garnier Limb,…
Read MoreKids love to climb. And while it can be maddening when they climb on the furniture, if you take them outside to a safe space, you can see how climbing builds whole-body strength, coordination and focus. Not to mention confidence — who wouldn’t feel like a million bucks after scaling…
Read MoreEvery couple of years, we look forward to the Dreams Happen Gala and Playhouse Auction and now it’s just around the corner, on June 6. Treat yourself to a fun and elegant evening benefitting a good cause; click here to purchase tickets. Make sure you bring your checkbook because you might go…
It’s Memorial Day weekend and time to get outside and enjoy your backyard. If you don’t have quite the backyard you’re dreaming of, try Barbara’s tips on how to spruce up your backyard with the kids this summer without spending a fortune! Flower boxes. Simple flower boxes can be purchased…
Read MoreBuilt for the lucky two- to five-year-olds that attend The Orinda Preschool, the TOPS treehouse is a secure way for very young children to experience the highest limbs of a tree. In operation since 1938, The Orinda Preschool’s play-based curriculum offers the children copious amounts of self-directed exploration, and what better…
It’s time for another Dreams Happen Gala and we’ve cooked up a playful and action-packed donation for this year’s auction. Since 1999, we’ve joined other local builders and architects in creating special structures for the bi-annual Dreams Happen fundraiser. (See our previous post for pictures of past playhouses.) The proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together Peninsula, a non-profit…
Read MoreOn this Mother’s Day week, we’d like to take a moment to recognize all the amazing moms out there. And though we don’t make tree houses for parents (and maybe we should?!), we think our work has something in it for moms, too. That snack time the little ones spent…
Read MoreAfter last week’s Magical Bridge Grand Opening, we were pleased to see so many glowing reviews of the project! Here are some of the highlights: You can check out Silicon Valley Toddler’s review here. Or head to Mommy Nearest for their review. The Mighty has a lovely piece here. Palo…
Read MoreSaturday’s Magical Bridge Grand Opening was everything we could have hoped for: sunny skies, musical acts, happy families and most importantly, children of all abilities playing together! Our stage served as a focal point for the entertainment as the audience gathered beneath a large, majestic tree. Above the stage in the…
The countdown to this weekend’s Magical Bridge Grand Opening is on! On April 18, the community will gather for a celebration of children of all abilities as the playground officially opens to the public. In anticipation, several groups came through last week for sneak previews of the new playground and…
For children, a door can be many things: Protection against the Big Bad Wolf or a howling blizzard. A welcoming entrance to a land where kids rule. A threshold they can control, welcoming friends and banishing enemies. Add in a few play accessories and the door often becomes a focal…
Behold the fabled kingdom of Castle Court! Hidden in a grove of trees, many thought it was only a myth. And yet, here it stands before you, rising up out of the morning mist. With trembling knees, you cross the drawbridge and approach the well-fortified and majestic Gatehouse. The gate…
Read MoreWe’ve been part of the Magical Bridge project for the last five years and we’re thrilled that it’s now in the final stages of construction! Join us on April 18 for the Grand Opening of this fun, inclusive, and gorgeous playground. Here, the two-story playhouse and theater is getting some…
Read More“Welcome to tea time! Would you like chamomile or mint? I’ve whipped up some tasty treats in my colorful kitchen.” Whether installed in an adorable cottage or up in a tree house, tables and chairs enhance children’s play. Some days, knights gather around the table to plot…
Read MoreLet’s take a peek at a day in the life of a Classic Treehouse: As dawn breaks over the horizon, the treehouse is filled with the sounds of birds chirping out their good morning songs as a squirrel scurries by. The sun moves higher in the sky; two pajama-clad children…
You’ll need both a secret password and solid climbing skills to get into this clubhouse! Start by making your way down the steep hillside with the help of a massive rope. If you’re up for yet another challenge, test out the climbing wall and you’ll end up at an…
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