Building Dreams: How Custom Playhouses Provide Hope

HomeAid Orange County's 2024 Project Playhouse

Due to popular demand, HomeAid Orange County has brought back their beloved fundraising event, Project Playhouse, where the building industry comes together to design and build custom playhouses for auction. We’re proud to have teamed up with City Ventures and Tri Pointe Homes to create unique playhouses, all in support of HomeAid Orange County’s mission to help individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. To dive deeper into the creative process, I sat down with WHA designers Nick Manea and Mike Cantrell to hear more about what went into each of these playful designs.

Paw’s Pointe

Two Concepts for Discussion

Partnering with Tri Pointe Homes and celebrity designer Bobby Berk, the vision was to create a mid-century modern doghouse. Following the Project Playhouse guidelines, our team brainstormed ideas that would blend both style and practicality. The initial design featured a fully enclosed space, complete with a front door, window, and a spiral staircase leading to a loft. However, after building the design in 3D, it was determined the scale was too large for a doghouse. We removed the front façade to open up the space and reduce the scale to be more fitting of a doghouse. The final concept resulted in a 4’x6’x6’ structure that perfectly fits the needs of any sized pup. The home features a shed roof, chimney, and large window in the back for a furry friend to look out. The cute mailbox attached to the side even features Tri Pointe’s signature green!

Dream House

Two Floorplan Concepts for Discussion

For the Barbie-inspired playhouse, City Ventures teamed up with WHA, C2 Landscape, AT Consulting for colors, AI Design Inc for interiors, and SWG Engineering. Everyone worked together to create a stunning playhouse. The idea of a Barbie-themed playhouse came naturally to everyone involved after a few brainstorming sessions. Initially, we created two floorplans, but the one with a wider front entry ultimately won. The designers had to “think like a kid” to come up with the several features that would fit in the design and maximize the space. We incorporated a dreamy loft bed with a climbable ladder, vanity, reading nook, groovy disco ball, exterior photobooth, as well as a pool and outdoor landscaping. After being built in 3D, the team was able to refine the design by seeing what actually worked in the space and brought it to life with our talented team of consultants.

WHA is thrilled that both projects earned recognition, winning four out of the seven awards! Paw’s Pointe received the Spirit Award for its paw-fectly designed retreat that’s sure to elevate any backyard for dog lovers. The Dream House took home the Imagination Award, the Playful Award, and the Grand Champion Award—Best in Show, along with being named the People’s Choice! To top off the night of celebrations, the Dream House was auctioned off to Jackson Tidus, who generously donated it back to La Veta Village, a HomeAid Orange County affordable housing community in Orange, where many lucky children will get to enjoy it.

Collaborating with Tri Pointe Homes and City Ventures to bring our creative ideas to life and design spaces that spark joy for children while supporting such a meaningful cause was an unforgettable experience.