Play Forts — Barbara Butler Artist-Builder Inc. - Custom Treehouses & Play Structures

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Play Forts

These are our budget-friendly options with a range of play features.
For our custom designs, perfect for challenging terrain and specific visions, check out our Play Structures.

HIDEAWAY FORT SERIES — HIDEAWAY FORT SERIES

ROBIN HOOD FORT SERIES — ROBIN HOOD FORT SERIES

KING FORT SERIES — KING FORT SERIES

THE FORTRESS — THE FORTRESS

PALO ALTO PLAYHOUSE — PALO ALTO PLAYHOUSE

PARADISE PLAYFORT — PARADISE PLAYFORT

FOREST HIDEOUT — FOREST HIDEOUT

FORT FLINTRIDGE — FORT FLINTRIDGE

KINGDOM OF PLAY — KINGDOM OF PLAY

AMALGAMATED PLAY HQ — AMALGAMATED PLAY HQ

These pre-designed, two-story redwood play structures are loaded with lots of kid-pleasing features: good solid swings, fast slides, rock climbing, jailbars, secret escapes, fireman's pole, rope net ladder, and a high-up place that works as a clubhouse! Our Play Forts are pre-designed, modular and easy to install. There are 4 areas to explore: Hideaway Forts (small), Robin Hood Forts (medium), King Forts (large), and Big Forts (very big and complicated).

Hideaway Fort Series

Swing Hideaway copy.jpg

Everything a kid could want, all in one structure…

Our most compact, 2-story fort with 4’ x 4’ x 9' high dimensions (16 SQ FT with 6' deck height). Upper level deck with 36" high fortress railings plus playhouse below with door with sliding peephole & doorknocker, window opening with shutters, jail bar window and built-in bench over secret escape hatch.

The Series

Hideaway

Hideaway Quick Specs

Swing
Hideaway

Swing Hideaway Quick Specs

Swing-Turbo
Hideaway

Swing Turbo Hideaway Quick Specs

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Specifications

Robin Hood Fort

Our modular Robin Hood Fort series fits a play fort to your needs.

Our most popular 2-story fort with 4’6” x 4’6” x 10' high dimensions (20.25 SQ FT with 7' deck height). Featuring an upper level deck with 36" high fortress railings plus a playhouse below with front door with sliding peephole & doorknocker, mailbox, shuttered window, jail bar window, Crenellations, cut-outs all around, and a built-in bench over a secret escape hatch.

The Series

1 Swing

Robin Hood 1-Swing Quick Specs

2 Swing

Robin Hood 2-Swing Quick Specs

3 Swing

Robin Hood 3-Swing Quick Specs

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King Fort Series

Go big with our King Fort series and enjoy even more space to play.

Our largest 2-story fort has a 5’ wide x 6’ long x 10' high Clubhouse Tower (30 SQ FT with 7' deck height), an upper level deck with 36" high fortress railings, bridge over belt swings and a playhouse below. Features include a rock climbing wall, Turbo Tube Slide, Stainless steel Fireman’s pole, front door with sliding peephole & doorknocker, and built-in bench over secret escape hatch.

The Series

2 Swing

King Fort 2 Swing Quick Specs

3 Swing

King Fort 3 Swing Quick Specs

Specifications

The Fortress

The Fortress Barbara Butler Kento Mizuno Design Edits-2.jpg

The Fortress is one of our larger pre-designed Clubhouses which is perfect for older kids.

The Fortress offers BIG play features in a small space: Turbo Tube Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, Firepole & Rope Net Ladder. Plus comes with a Pulley Bucket play accessory.

Opposite the Rope Net Ladder is the Turbo Tube Slide for another quick escape route. And look closely to see the Pulley Box & Bucket attached to the corner. Kids find it fun to haul stuff up in the bucket and Moms don't have to worry because the pulley system won't let the bucket slip down too fast.

The Fortress - Gallery

The Fortress is a small-but-mighty two-story play space with a roofed deck area above and a playhouse below.

You can make a quick escape from The Fortress by zipping down the slide. The playhouse on the first floor has wooden shutters on the windows and a who-goes-there peephole on the door.

Other sides of the tower offer a rock climbing wall, fire pole, and rope net climb.

Each component of The Fortress is hand crafted for maximum durability.

The Fortress has everything you need for an adventurous afternoon. Just add friends!

The Fortress

$45,880.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Specifications

Palo Alto Playhouse

Custom play structure with clubhouse, carved vines, swings, rock wall, slide, climbing tower

Palo Alto Playhouse

Details coming soon!

Palo Alto Playhouse - Gallery

Palo Alto Playhouse

$103,760.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Specifications

Clubhouse:

Clubhouse (6’ x 5’ at 7’ deck height; 30 SQ FT) on top of Deck
Double-layered, 100% waterproof Gable Roof with cedar shingles and laminated glass porthole windows on each gable end
- 24” x 48” Velux Skylight with laminated glass and adjustable shade
(2) Doors with sliding “who-goes-there” peepholes and door knockers
(2) Window openings with shutters and decorative safety grates
Clubhouse play accessories:
- Drop Leaf Table with (2) drop seats
- Wall Cupboard
- Top Secret Safe
- Shelf & Peg set
- Large Chalkboard with chalk and eraser holder
- Mail Slot with interior box
- Hand-carved and stained flora and fauna on exterior walls

Big Deck:

Big Deck (10’ x 5’ at 7’ deck height; 50 SQ FT) with 12’ of railing, open below
Angled Rock Climbing Wall (5' wide x 10’ high) up and over climbing, with opening in railing to allow climbing through onto deck
Straight-up Rock Climbing Wall (4'6" wide x 10' high) attached at corner to the angled rock climbing wall
Giant Knotted Rope Climb attached above rock climbing wall
Stainless Steel Firepole with inward-swinging safety gate
Deck Play Accessories
- (9) Monkey Bars attached under deck
- (9) Round Rings with multi-rotational swivels & chains attached under deck
- (20) Rock Holds attached to footing posts to access monkey bars and rings
- Ship’s Wheel
- Custom Toy Box and Bench with slatted sides and lid with safety hinges

Entrance Deck:

Entrance Deck (5'6" x 5' at 7' deck height; 27.5 SQ FT), with angled corner, and 9’ of rope net railing, open below
Turbo Tube Slide

Straight Bridge:

Straight Bridge (9' x 2') with fortress railing
(2) Belt Swings, attached under bridge

Climbing Tower:

Climbing Tower (3' x 3' x 10' high at 7' deck height; 9 SQ FT) with upper and lower decks
Hand-woven Rope Net Ladder
Angled Rung Ladder
Crazy Bar Climb

Flagpole with (3) Flags

Prices listed are for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Paradise Playfort

Paradise+Playfort+Barbara+Butler+Kento+Mizuno+Design+Edits-1.jpg

Quiet and unassuming, Paradise Playfort is tucked into a corner, amongst the trees.

It looks and feels like a treehouse without any tree attachment: just carefully designed, built and installed to maximize the space and blend in with the surroundings. A rustic retreat for kids and adults.

Compact and robust with 2 belt swings underneath, the Paradise Playfort is bigger than it seems. The 5' wide x 10' long design provides for plenty of play space in a previously unused corner of the yard.

Stand out on the front deck and look up - what could be better than this fantastic, magnificent view!

Paradise Playfort - Gallery

Paradise Playfort is a two-story fort tucked into a leafy corner of the backyard.

The second story consists of a playhouse and an open deck area. A jumbo rock climbing wall at the back offers an alternative route up.

Use the handy pulley to send packages up or down.

In consultation with the family, Barbara has crafted a palette that both entices kids to play and complements the surrounding vegetation.

The playhouse includes colorful cut-outs for added light, as well as windows shutters that can be positioned open or closed.

The leafy path to Paradise Playfort looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Paradise Playfort

$55,660.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Specifications

Forest Hideout

Set in the summer shade, Forest Hideout’s hand-carved details and play features set it apart from the rest.

Forest Hideout is long and narrow with a large Clubhouse, front and rear decks, and a multitude of play features including: a Rock Climbing Wall, Rope Net Ladder, Rung Ladder, Monkey Bars, Parallel Rings, Tire Swing and more.

The view from this angle shows the giant Rock Climbing Wall and the Swing Set (sold separately). The Rock Wall is the challenging way up to the front deck. For more fun, grab the Giant Rope Climb and "belay" up the wall. Once up, then the stainless steel Firepole is the fast way down.

Forest Hideout - Gallery

With a variety of ways to climb up and get down, including a rope net climb, rock climbing wall, fire pole, and ladder, there’s something for everyone in Forest Hideout.

The hand-carved custom sign above the playhouse door adds a charming touch that kids can’t resist.

Forest Hideout features a playhouse mounted on an elevated deck with space for a variety of swings and hand-over-hand rings beneath.

Solid wood shutters on the playhouse windows allow kids to customize the amount of natural light and breezes coming in.

Inside the playhouse you’ll find a drop-leaf table and benches which can be folding flat against the wall if needed. The top secret safe is secured with a working combination lock, and there’s room to store more things in the pirate cabinet above.

Additional swings are located on a separate structure adjacent to the Forest Hideout so you never have to wait for a turn!

The long, thin shape of Forest Hideout’s footprint allows it to fit snugly along the perimeter of the yard without sacrificing play options.

Let the games begin!

Forest Hideout

$91,180.00

This price is for fabrication only. Additional fees apply for design changes and modifications, delivery, and installation.

Specifications

Fort Flintridge

Fort Flintridge Barbara Butler Kento Mizuno Design Edits-5.jpg

A gaggle of children eagerly explores our latest structure, Fort Flintridge in Los Angeles, during the grand opening party.

With a rock wall, rope net climb, ladder, wacky rungs and a spiral tube slide, this custom structure overflows with options for getting up and down the two towers. In between, three swings and a set of monkey bars ensures that every kid stays busy.

As part of their play, these children are unknowingly gaining strength and coordination as well as raising their emotional intelligence through collaborative play. At the end of the day, their parents enjoy the distinct pleasure of putting happy and worn-out children to bed.

Fort Flintridge - Gallery

Fort Flintridge features two towers connected by a bridge. A rock climbing wall, rope net climb and ladder offer choices for getting up while a twisty slide is a quick way back down.

With so many play options to choose from, this play fort can comfortably entertain a large number of children.

The components of the structure are built and stained in our shop and then disassembled for transport to the site. Once there, we fit each piece together and anchor it into the ground.

The next step? Grand Opening Party! Here, the family has invited their friends and neighbors to check out the latest center for fun in their backyard.

Like all of our custom structures, this one began on paper in close consultation with the whole family. The color map above helped lead everyone to a consensus on the palette that was brought to life in this California backyard.

Fort Flintridge

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Kingdom of Play

Kingdom of Play - Kento Mizuno Design Edits-9.jpg

Kingdom of Play

Kingdom of Play is a multi-faceted play fort that is jam packed with play options. Perched atop a raised deck, the playhouse is the heart of the action in this kingdom. Custom carvings of each of the child’s names flank the door. A bridge connects the playhouse deck with a two-story tower where kids can choose from a rope net climb, fire pole, or twisty slide. Inside the playhouse, colorful chairs and a drop-leaf table mounted to the wall sit ready for any game.

The view from the top is a confidence boost for any kid!

Kingdom of Play - Gallery

Kingdom of Play is a multi-faceted play fort that is jam packed with play options.

Perched atop a raised deck, the playhouse is the heart of the action in this kingdom. Custom carvings of each of the child’s names flank the door.

A bridge connects the playhouse deck with a two-story tower where kids can choose from a rope net climb, fire pole, or twisty slide.

Along the way, the bridge offers extra play features such as a bucket and pulley and double water shooters.

The space below the bridge is a clever combination of swings and monkey bars.

Inside the playhouse, colorful chairs and a drop-leaf table mounted to the wall sit ready for any game.

One whole side of Kingdom of Play is dedicated to a massive rock climbing wall with professional grade hand holds. The knotted rope offers a variation on the climb.

The view from the top is a confidence boost for any kid!

Kingdom of Play

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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Big Deck:

Rectangular Deck (5’ x 7’ at 7’ deck height; 35 SQ FT), open below, with 15’ of railing
Side Balcony (14' x 3'6" at 7’ deck height; 49 SQ FT)
Rear Balcony (3' x 7' at 7’ deck height; 21 SQ FT) with 10’ of railing
Angled Rung Ladder
Angled Rock Climbing Wall (7’-wide x 10’-high), up-and-over climbing with opening to deck at 7’ high
Giant Knotted Rope Climb attached above rock climbing wall
Deck Play Accessories:
- Pulley Box & Bucket
- Flagpole with Pirate Flag
- Disc Swing with swivel mount attached under deck
- (2) Round Rings with swivel mounts attached under deck
- Trapeze Bar attached under deck
- Ship’s Wheel

Clubhouse:

Clubhouse (6’ x 7’ x 10’-high; 42 SQ FT) on top of Big Deck
Double-layered, waterproof Gable Roof (7’ x 8’) with cedar shingles and square, laminated glass windows in each gable end
- 24’ x 48’ Velux Skylight with laminated glass and adjustable shade
- (2) Shingled dormers over front and rear doors
(2) Doors with sliding “who-goes-there” peepholes and door knockers
(2) Window openings with shutters and (1) decorative metal safety grate
Clubhouse Play Accessories:
- Drop Leaf Table and (2) drop seats
- Mail Slot with interior Mailbox
- (2) Kid’s Rule Chairs
- Shelf & Peg set
- Corner Shelf
- (2) Small Chalkboards (12” x 21”), with chalk and eraser holders
- Top Secret Safe
- Pirate’s Cupboard
- (2) Hand-carved and stained signs

Entrance Deck:

Wedge-shaped Entrance Deck (3’ x 5’ at 5’ deck height; 15 SQ FT), open below, with 9’ of railing
Angled Rung Ladder from ground
Straight Rung Ladder to Big Deck

Straight Bridge:

Straight Bridge (2’ x 12’) with 24’ of rope net railing
Double Water Cannon
(2) Belt Swings attached underneath
(10) Monkey Bars attached underneath (interchangeable with swings) with access via straight bars on Slide Tower and rock holds on Big Deck footing posts
Misting System installed underneath

Slide Tower:

Slide Tower (3’ x 3’ x 10’-high at 7’ deck height; 9 SQ FT) with Gable Roof and upper and lower decks
Hand-woven Rope Net Ladder
Stainless Steel Firepole with inward-swinging safety gate
Crazy Bar Climb
Turbo Tube Slide

Amalgamated Play HQ

Amalgamated Play HQ Barbara Butler Kento Mizuno Design Edits-9.jpeg

One part theater, one part playground, and one part quiet retreat, Amalgamated Play Headquarters is a fusion of physical and imaginative activity.

Here at BBAB Inc., we’ve been gearing up for Dreams Happen 2019 with our latest creation, Amalgamated Play Headquarters.

Since 1999, we’ve been donating play structures bi-annually to Rebuilding Together Peninsula, a non-profit that helps low-income residents with home repairs.

After auctioning off the structures, all proceeds go to this important mission.

Amalgamated Play HQ - Gallery

Amalgamated Play Headquarters is the nerve-center for our world-wide operations dedicated to the serious business of fun and play! One part theater, one part playground, and one part quiet retreat, this structure is a fusion of physical and imaginative activity.

For a workout, hoist yourself up the rock climbing wall, scamper across the bridge and glide down the turbo tube slide. There are plenty of Barbara’s “loops of play” to keep kids running and exploring.

On days when you’re feeling more theatrical, stage a production on the built-in stage, complete with ticket booth, working Sunbrella curtains, and a generous backstage area for preparing for your dramatic entrance. More in the mood for reading, writing or arithmetic? Use the solar powered light (yep, the one by Voltaic currently featured on Kickstarter) in the upper playhouse for reading, or plug your device into the included USB port.

The beautiful orange door features our signature who-goes-there peephole that children find irresistible. For a safer play experience, all doors have a 1/2” gap around the edge which prevents pinched fingers.

We are proud to report that our playhouse was the top money-raiser of the evening and that a whopping $450,000 was raised overall to further the important work of Rebuilding Together Peninsula as it helps those in need with crucial house repairs.

The last step in donating this powerhouse of a structure to Rebuilding Together Peninsula is to assemble it in the shop and transport it to the Stanford Shopping Center. Amalgamated Play Headquarters is our latest in a long line of donations to the Dreams Happen Gala & Auction. As you can see, teamwork and communication are the key to our efficient building system. Above, Jeff Beal, co-owner and Barbara’s husband, attaches the twisty slide to the wooden frame.

Because our structures are built in a modular fashion, they can be taken apart and then reassembled if needed. In this case, however, CB Trucking has kindly donated the services of a flatbed big rig to transport Amalgamated Play Headquarters to the auction site.

The 48-foot truck can easily accommodate the fully assembled structure. Once loaded, it will be safely secured to the vehicle for its ride to the mall.

Amalgamated Play HQ

Please inquire below for details and pricing.

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