A Playhouse for the Ages

When Anna and Eugeni Bach of Bach Architects agreed to make their children a playhouse, they turned the building process into a learning opportunity. Breaking ground on the grandparents’ farm in Nummi-Pusula, Finland, the parents involved their two eldest, teaching them about architecture as they all worked with their hands. As the Bachs likely explained to their children, the little house is composed of two modules angled in opposite directions. While unusual for a house of any size, the two modules actually simplify the structure, allowing for natural light and ventilation. Inside, the space is warm and light, with one open area where an adult can comfortably stand and another, child-height section that is split by a loft. Moving outside, the exterior stripes of natural and whitewashed wood elevate the playhouse’s sense of whimsy. Yet, they have a serious side as well; the natural wood will gray with time, and the aging of the wood will reflect the growth of the children. The site of many memories to come, the playhouse is more than a fun gift; it is a symbol of creativity, heritage, and love.