HAUS Playhouse for Kids
Hi, RISD! After graduating in 1997, I became an artist, educator, and designer who has spent twenty-two years making interactive sculptures, makerspace communities, and customizable products, all geared to expand everyone’s inherent creativity. And I'm a father of two! This note is to let you all know that I am going to launch HAUS on Kickstarter September 17th
HAUS is a uniquely beautiful playhouse that uses modernist design heritage to promote activity, exploration and creativity. HAUS began four years ago while researching ways to provide shelter to refugee children. The original idea spun off into a separate, ongoing project, and the HAUS prototype went into storage. Back in March, I knew my kids desperately needed their own place in our home for autonomy and creative play. So I unpacked HAUS and set it up for them. I was thrilled how HAUS stimulated their imagination by providing a creative outlet for healthy, holistic development through play. And they felt a release from being trapped at home. Now, after hours of imaginative play, HAUS is deeply woven into our life at-home.
Watching my kids play in HAUS, I realized that many families are suffering from cabin fever like us. And instead of being forced to plunk their kids in front of screens all day, HAUS could help them out. What makes HAUS special? The minimal contemporary design inspires imaginations through a balance of defined engagement and a choose-your-own-adventure vibe that enables kids to play pretend, create and learn all day! For Kids: The structure’s open design maintains a natural connection between the inside and the outside world; children feel safe, In familiar surroundings while playing in their own independent space. Details like two flip-top storage cubes provide more intimate spaces. Four small flip-open moon tabs in the peak let kids hang a range of ornamental objects. And kids continuously change the look and feel of their HAUS by decorating it with non-toxic washable markers or fingerpaints. For parents: HAUS is not a massive play structure in a backyard, nor is it tacky and cumbersome, taking up valuable square footage in a home.
HAUS unfolds and refolds quickly and easily from a thin “portfolio” for on-the-spot play. At only 12 lbs, HAUS is super light. And at 2” thick, HAUS is easily stored where you wish. Utilizing recyclable plastic, HAUS is durable and will last through every indoor and backyard adventures. At the end of an active day, the surface easily wipes down, providing a fresh, clean canvas for tomorrow’s adventures. So please check out my Kickstarter on 9/17 and with your help, HAUS will bring kids the fun and creativity they need to flourish no matter what the future holds.
