Barbara Butler Artist Builder

Designer & Builder of Treehouses, play structures and playhouses for kids

Monday, November 10, 2014

Forest Lookout (Part 2)


 In our last post, we followed the design and fabrication process for Forest Lookout. Next up is installation. The components made in the shop arrive on-site and are placed in their respective locations.
After each piece is secured and safety tested, small details are attended to for a flawless final structure. Sustainable second-growth redwood, made weather-resistant with non-toxic tung oil, combines with sturdy rope for a durable structure that is ready for anything the kids come up with!


But it's not only about workmanship and quality materials. Forest Outlook is also loaded with fun features: 
A hanging bridge leads to a platform high among the treetops. 

















From below, the platform is almost completely hidden behind the foliage, giving it an air of forest mystery.  
















The stationary bridge is outfitted with a double water cannon; watch out below! 



Climb the rope ladder on one side or dash around to the other side to take the stairs.
Inside the playhouse stands a drop-leaf table, perfect for snack breaks or tea parties. 

An embankment slide makes use of the natural shape of the hill, and becomes a water slide at the turn of a handle! Besides keeping kids cool in sunny L.A., this slide is also drought-friendly: a drain at the bottom diverts water to a cistern that is used for watering the landscape.
















Share/Bookmark
eXTReMe Tracker