Project Name:
Patchwork Playhouse and Living Fence
<< Prefabricated playhouse and living fence for children >>
Project Type:
architecture
Project Mission/Goal:
1) improve the human spirit
2) increase awareness of the environment and/or address climate change
3) respond to our growing need for clean water, power, shelter, healthcare, education
Project Description:
Designed by Weinstein A|U, the building's three-bar scheme takes advantage of solar orientation, programmatic needs, outdoor gathering spaces and privacy concerns. The team of sixteen graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Washington designed a playhouse and living fence to meet needs as requested by the Wellspring Family Services and project architect Rumi Takahashi. It was prefabricated off-site due to limited access of the site.
The playhouse has two separate play areas: one for ages 2-5, and the other for ages 5 and up. There are two storage units for the center's equipment, vantage points and accessibility for instructors. With a generous donation from 3Form, the design team came up with a simple yet elegant panelized system, inspired by geometric quit patterns. The center barn doors open up to reveal two playhouses separated by a mirrored fun-house wall. Two storage units for toys and equipment anchor the ends of the structure. Through the use of day lighting and patterning, the playhouse becomes a glowing and interactive addition to the play area.
Bordered by 23rd and Rainier Avenues South, the new home of Wellspring Family Services resides on a triangular site with views of Mount Rainier to the south and Beacon Hill to the west. Rainier Valley is considered one of Seattle's most culturally diverse areas. The Wellspring Family Services has committed itself to serving this community by helping Seattle's homeless families achieve self-sufficiency and non-violent communities. The patchwork playhouse and living fence project is an extension of this commitment.
Links and Captions:
http://2009honorawards.aiaseattle.org/node/165
http://courses.be.washington.edu/ARCH/hswdesignbuild/projects/2009sp/ind...
Project Details:
Location: 1900 Rainier Ave South, ?Rainier Valley, Seattle, Washington
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): UW Architecture Neighborhood Design Studio and project architect Rumi Takahashi
Project Architect(s): Erin Anderson, Travis Anderson, Steve Badanes, Laura Brown, Magdalena Celinska, Joe David, Laura Natalia Granados, Scott Hanson, Jeff Hudak, Jack Hunter, Jake Labarre, Justin Lui, Ashley Muse, Chris Pineo, Zach Reed, Chad Robertson, Gus Starkey, Ted Wegrich, Joshua Williamson (by Neighborhood Design Build Studio 2009)
Year (s): 2009
Client: Wellspring Family Services
User Client: children ages 2 and up
Number of beneficiaries/users:
Project Phase: Completed
Major Funding: 3Form
Cost/Cost per unit:
Area (if applicable):
Structural Engineers:
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers:
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Nominated by Hands On
