International Forest Products Limited (Interfor), along with its partners Michael Green Architecture Inc (MGA) and Blackfish Homes and Construction Ltd., unveiled its contribution to Canfor’s Playhouse Challenge with an innovative playhouse constructed from sustainable wood products from B.C.
Interfor is one of seven teams from around the province competing in Canfor’s Playhouse Challenge to build original wood playhouses. Each playhouse is a collaborative project between a forest company, an architectural firm and a local builder.
The playhouses will be on display at the 2012 Fair at the PNE in Vancouver (Aug. 18 – Sept. 3) and were sold to corporate sponsors who will donate them to public venues across the province. The Interfor playhouse was sponsored by Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. and KPMG. Proceeds from the sale will go to Habitat for Humanity Canada affiliates across B.C.
From a distance, the playhouse resembles a large box but up close the teepee-shaped building becomes clearer. It was designed by award-winning architect Michael Green who drew his inspiration from his son Makalu who came up with the idea. “We wanted kids to experience the special feelings that a hidden hangout evokes: a place to go inside to dream, to play, to tell stories – to be a kid,” said Green.
Blackfish Homes constructed it, and Interfor donated the Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir which comes from various areas around the province and the wood was processed at its Acorn and Hammond mills on the Lower Mainland.
For more information on Canfor’s Playhouse Challenge visit www.playhousechallenge.com