Nothing sparks creativity more than a giant cardboard box. Simple, restrained, it is space without a program. The perfect container for the imagination, its dimensions overflowing with possibilities.

IT’S A (F)UN.BOX

At a glance, the box is simply a textured cube with multiple ways to enter and exit. But to the young at heart it is an uncharted world to explore; go under, through, up and around. Find surfaces that pop open, slide and swing in playful and surprising ways, and beckon upward to the grass-roofed deck to survey the world around. Natural light beams through translucent surfaces, painting its multi-level interior with a soft, warm glow. Not unlike its cardboard cousin, this box will unleash flights of fantasy. Yet, it isn’t flashy. It’s poetic in its simplicity, bold in its approach. Most importantly, as those who’ve invented, imagined and dreamed within, it’s also fun.

DREAMS HAPPEN IN A (F)UN.BOX

Dreams Happen 2011 is a biennial fundraiser bringing together renowned Bay Area architects, designers and builders to create one-of-a-kind playhouses. The play structures are auctioned at a gala dinner and dance, with 100% of the proceeds going to Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP). RTP is a non-profit organization rehabilitating the homes and community facilities of low-income neighbors in need. Rebuilding Together Peninsula provides more free major home repairs than any other Peninsula organization, and is a local affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together network, which completes over 10,000 repair projects each year.

Ana Williamson Architect (AWA) has been active in the Peninsula community for over 15 years and is dedicated to supporting those in need. Dreams Happen was the ideal vehicle for AWA to make a difference. We partnered with fellow Menlo Park company Mediterraneo Design Build who shared our desire to create something different. In our first brainstorming session, we each conjured our inner child to find inspiration for a great playhouse. Comparing notes, we agreed the best play experiences are those that tap a child's imagination. Kids quickly tire of a specific toy and end up playing with the box the toy came in, instead. We wanted to create such a box, a limitless space to give them the freedom to dream, explore and create their own world. We embraced the idea of “the box.” Instead of prescribing an experience, our playhouse would allow all who entered to make it their own. Not a box. An un-box. A (f)un.box.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE... WELL, YOU KNOW

Ana Williamson and Libby Raab in the design studio of AWA’s Menlo Park offices.

Ana Williamson Architect is an award-winning architectural firm focused on design driven projects, primarily in the California Bay Area. While most of our work is residential, we are drawn to any design opportunity that challenges us to think outside the proverbial box.  Our studio is committed to innovation and sustainability with an emphasis on research and materials. AWA strives to create beautiful projects that move and inspire. We greatly value the relationships we establish with our clients, knowing the best work results from a true partnership between client, architect and builder. In addition to great design, we value exercise, healthy eating, right-brain thinking, and a wicked sense of humor. And we like dogs. The (d)og.box is next.

Mediterraneo Design Build is a design-forward fine home builder in Menlo Park. They happen to like dogs, too and, having collaborated successfully on several projects, we were excited to partner with them on Dreams Happen 2011. From the beginning, our combined team was eager to make the best box (that was not a box) ever. And, with MDB’s superb construction and finishing skills, as well as great relationships with local suppliers, our shared vision became a reality.

PACKAGES, BOXES, BAGS... WE’LL FIT RIGHT IN

Since 1993, Stanford Shopping Center has co-sponsored the Dreams Happen event and raised over $2.8 million for Rebuilding Together Peninsula. This year's neighborhood of Playhouses landed at Stanford Shopping Center May 7th and will be on display until June 11th. Look for our (f)un.box in on the El Camino side Bloomingdales, near the Peninsula Creamery.

The playhouses will be auctioned at the Dreams Happen Gala on June 4th under the stars, also at Stanford Shopping Center. Tickets may be purchased by contacting: Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

INSERT TAB A INTO SLOT B

To see more about how the (f)un.box came together, please visit our expanded image galleries, here.




Ana Williamson Architect and Mediterraneo Design Build wish to express our deep appreciation for the kind and generous donations of time and materials from many friends, family, business partners and suppliers, without whom the (f)un.box would be nothing more than an idea and set of drawings. We are forever grateful.



 

If this e-mail does not display correctly, please click here

IT IS NOT A BOX

IT’S A BOAT

IT’S A CASTLE

IT’S A ROCKET SHIP TO MARS

IT’S A CAVE

A CARWASH

A DRIVE-THRU

AN OFFICE

IT IS ONE THING TODAY

AND ANOTHER TOMORROW

IT’S A TIME MACHINE

AND ONE THING IS CERTAIN

WHAT IS IT?

WHO MADE IT?

WHERE IS IT?

IT IS NOT A BOX

ANA WILLIAMSON ARCHITECT

AND MEDITERRANEO DESIGN BUILD

MAKE DREAMS HAPPEN WITH

  THE TOTALLY COOL (F)UN.BOX.

IS THERE MORE?