Grant Davis Thompson Creates a Backyard Cedar “Playhouse” in Clinton Hill

Space -- particularly outdoor space -- comes at a premium in New York City, and those who are lucky enough to have a backyard tend to take full advantage. Such is the case with this outdoor playhouse retreat, which was recently designed by <a href="http://grantdavisthompson.com/">Grant Davis Thompson</a> for a private residence in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/tag/clinton-hill/">Clinton Hill</a>, Brooklyn. The owner was looking to build a structure that would evoke "a small cabin in the woods" in his urban yard. To achieve that goal, GDT constructed a low-impact structure made from cedar and reclaimed materials that provides a space for both children and adults to play.

The new structure provides access to the garden, and it creates a new indoor space that can be used for a variety of activities.

"We wanted to extend the living spaces into the backyard," explains GDT owner Palmer Thompson-Moss. "The cedar fence and salvaged blue stone helped to achieve this.”

The playhouse isn't just for summer enjoyment; it contains a wood-burning stove to keep it warm in the fall and winter.

The playhouse also features an indoor sandbox that is hidden under a trap door, as well as a small splashing pool that can double as a beer cooler.

GDT is a Brooklyn-based design firm that specializes in repurposing old spaces and materials.

"These materials were chosen for their honesty– gracefully changing with the elements and for being sourced in North America,” says Thompson­-Moss.