Skyloft: Window locks

The windows in the sky loft needed locks. Or else we’d get unwelcomed visitors all the time. 

Skyloft: Telescope

Skyloft: Ladder

The original design didn't have a ladder to get up to the loft. I wanted a clean profile. Only access was a few rock climbing pegs. Figure it was a good way to "earn" your way into the fort. But, my wife (and everyone else) seemed to have an opinion otherwise. 

The rungs. Painted black to color match.

The steps on the rungs are coated with a paint that was specific to deck paint. I also added a anti-slip powder to the paint. Don't want any accidents when there's water!

The wood of the ladder itself is reclaimed lumber! Yea! Here, I added a grab hold hole. Might as well make it even safer for people. *cough*wife*cough*

Rounded off the edges. Sanded all the surfaces of the ladder. Making sure it was splinter free.

Hiring some help.

Jaden manning the drill with authority.

Skyloft: Fence/Railing

Mocking up the railing posts

Old school chiselling

Learning the ropes on the drill press.

Stringing up the fence with Russell. It's 1/8" galvanized wire with a PVC coat.

Skyloft: Windows Completed!

The Hinge:

The hinge gave me some sleepness nights. I wanted clean lines through the window detail. Lines that would wrap around the fort. I wanted it to be fully integrated and preferably wood.

Had many sketches as to how it would be accomplished:

Then I mocked one up:

Only to realize there is a flaw in the design. It only opened up 90 degrees. I wanted the window to fully open 180 degrees. So it would sit flush with the wall.

Back to the drawing board. Adding a 45 degree bend to both ends:

It works. It does exactly what I need it to do. Which is to fold the window back 180 degrees. BUT, I don't like it. I don't like the huge protrusion now. It's just an eyesore.

So, guess I'll have to cheat here and use metal hinges. Didn't want to go there, but it's the only way.

O well. This works. And it's cheap.

Skyloft: Rear window

I love Craiglist! Found this for free! It was a window for a camper. Original owner didn't need it anymore and felt guilty throwing it away. And when I saw it, I found a perfect item to repurpose.

NOTE: Repurposing/Recycling was a lesson I wanted to teach my daughter throughout this project too.

Skyloft: Dutch Doors

Doors! Went with the Dutch door style. The ones where they split in the middle allowing the bottom half to stay closed while the top half can be opened. Just more options for fun.

Skyloft: Shed Ramp

Since the shed was raised off the ground, a ramp was needed to get the lawnmower in and out easier. 

Skyloft: Painting

Time on the shed/fort was scattered through the next few weeks. Work overtime and bad weather just did not cooperate with me.

Once the sun came out, I immediately started on the roof.  Before anything else can get soaked. 

Skyloft: More framework

Andrew, my brother-in-law, has given his hand in helping out with this project. Great handyman. The extra help totally helps!

A totally over-engineered floor! I love it. This thing is going to be earthquake proof!

The floor will be 3/4" plywood. Nice and sturdy.

Rare photo op with me and my daughter.

Bracing the roof with 4x4 crossbeams. I maybe over engineering it here. But, I was thinking I might use it to hang stuff later. Either 

Day #3 starts with sheeting the walls. Using 1/2" plywood.

Skyloft: Design

This is a big project. Might be the biggest one I've ever try to attempt. I've reno'd many places before, but never a full standing exterior structure that is exposed to 4 seasons of weather. It's also a project that I've always wanted to do. C'mon... who are we kidding.. EVERYONE wanted a treehouse/clubhouse when they were young! A place for a young one to escape to fight pirates, ward off enemies of castle towers, launch to space from their spaceship.

I'm going to make that dream come true for my daughter. Unbeknownst to her, it won't simply be a "playground" for her. It will be much more than that. The plan is to make it a hub for creative learning. A place to spark her imagination and plant a seed of intrigue in science and explore the world around her.

This project actually started out to be a simple shed. For me. I need to clear out my garage so I can reclaim some real estate to work on my projects. Especially my neglected cars. Then my wife said, "Can we build a treehouse on TOP of your shed?" That sparked of ideas and they flooded in.

I'm aiming for a simple and modern design. Nothing colourful as I don't want it to be an eyesore for the neighbourhood.

My requirements:
- Looks simple and modern
- Does NOT look like a playground
- Safe!!!
- Meets construction building codes
- Permit if needed
- As large as possible. Before code
- Shed on ground level
- Play fort on top level
- Roof for weather proofing
- Can be locked down


Features:
- Good lighting
- All wood construction
- Purple interior. (Daughter's favorite color)
- Musical instruments (For starters, Blue Man Group's PVC pipe instruments)
- Rain water collection system
- Many secret compartments
- Dual function furniture (i.e. Chairs that are also storage boxes, etc)
- WiFi Webcam surveillance

Design starts out on computer. It's easy for me to visualize things in 3D space quicker. I can mock everything up down to the inch. Using the specs from standard lumber that is available at HomeDepot. This also allows me to know exactly how much I need to buy. Minimizing wastage.

Temp wood bracing for concrete foundation pour

Shed floor

Play fort floor

Roof