The “Eco Playhouse”
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Meaningful relationships with natural surroundings are critical to a child’s development fostering a sense of well being and belonging while nurturing respect for our environment. Designed to provide an environment for children to explore natural wonders through direct experience and play, the Eco Playhouse was built collaboratively for Project Playhouse 2008 by Jeffrey Dinkle, Karen Raymer,Michael Fletcher, and Paul Morgan.
SUMMARY
Made from reclaimed, recycled and sustainably manufactured materials the playhouse is weatherproof and insulated for year-around fun. Furnishings and finishes are non-toxic and odor-free. Whimsical features like a windowed cupola, and operable shutters encourage imaginative play. Easily opened windows bring inside the fresh sounds and smells of the outside world.
The playhouse includes tools for hands-on learning, such as a microscope, age-appropriate books and specimen jars for leaves, bugs and other treasures. To teach appreciation for natural resources, wooden barrels capture rain from the roof and an electronic weather vane provides fun meteorological information powered, along with indoor and outdoor lights, by a solar panel.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Poplar bark siding
100-year-old Reclaimed Heart Pine Flooring, finished with OSMO oil
65-watt solar panel with battery, providing uninterrupted power for lights and fans.
Full rain harvest system to provide water for a children’s garden
Large widow awnings for passive solar cooling
Wicker furnishing with organic cotton pillows and cushions.
Icynene spray foam insulation for year round usability.
Low VOC paint supplied by AFM Safecoat
After display in Lenox Square in September 2008 the Eco Playhouse was auctioned off with all proceeds going to Home Aid Atlanta. It is currently used in Piedmont Park as a sustainable educational and recreational resource for the children of Atlanta