Cool Dad Luke is surely up for a dad o’ the year award: Look at this amazing mid century modern retro playhouse / play structure that he designed and built for his weebits. He and wife Sandy recently became owners of a gorgeous 1955 mid century modern house — and this swingset playhouse complements it spectacularly.
Hi Pam,
Great site! We found it after moving to Florida from Indiana and purchasing a 1955 custom mid century house.
I am new faculty at the University of Florida and we were lucky enough to find a great place with two acres less than 10 minute bike ride to campus! Built-ins, pink bathroom, foil wallpaper, flat roof with vaulted section, corner window, built-in inside grill (!), the works.
To keep it short for now — I looked and looked for a good playhouse design to go along with our house, which I had promised to the kids once we made the move. They really wanted swings, a slide, etc.2.5 months later, I had what I think is a pretty spectacular playhouse that goes well with the house.
I designed and built it myself – but I did see some pictures somewhere (maybe in Dwell mag?) that were an inspiration. I’m an ecologist, not an architect or builder, so it took some time. I just sketched it on some paper and kind of made it up as I went along. Some of the features are requests of the kids, like the three windows that are about the heights of the three kids when we built it. And my oldest really wanted a front door with an actual doorknob!
Again, great site! We used your links to buy new toilet seats for both our pink and light grey (original!) toilets. Fortunately we were able to keep the seat with the owl painted on the inside. Luke
I want to come to your house to play. Nicely done, Luke — your children will remember this forever. Thank you for sharing your play house with us!
Teri says
Cute playhouse! Add me to the list of those wanting to see the inside of that fabulous house. 😉
Kelly Wittenauer says
Well done! And another vote for seeing more of the matching full size house.
Jay says
Nice playhouse but that house sure is a teaser, would love to see more!
Amanda says
I second that, Jay. And I would also love to know if Luke has any background info on the house (builder, architect, etc.) I went to school at UF in the late 90s and never really ventured off campus to drive around the Gainesville neighborhoods. But I am beginning to learn that the place is teeming with atomic goodies and amazing architecture.
Jenny A. says
That is awesome! I want one for my backyard, too, just so I can go hang-out in there and read a book.
Lynne says
Wow. Great playhouse. It sure beats the blankets we strung across the clothes line, hammering clothespins into the corners when I was a kid.
Hafta say, tho….I’s love to see the interior of the BIG house!
julia-lifeonchurchill says
this is gorgeous!! I want one for my kids!
Tom says
If I was one of his kids, I’d nominate Luke for “Father of the (mid) century” not just father of the year. So cool
Kkmk says
The house and the playhouse look pretty great. I wonder if we could get a look at the fabulousness inside that Luke hinted at in his comments . .
Amy in Sacramento says
I agree! Would LOVE to see some pics of the inside — especially the pink bathroom, foil wallpaper, and owl toilet seat!
linda h says
Atomic Ranch was probably where he saw the picture of a similar playhouse. There was an article in their Homework feature about building a modern playhouse once.
lynda says
Pretty darn cute! Lucky children to have a “custom” home and playset!