About Our Team

The Ocean Adventure Lab was put together by what we like to call a consortium of companies passionate about furthering sustainable design in Southern California. Turner Construction Company, design firm LPA Inc., ProRepro and Tangram Interiors have lead the charge to see this playhouse come to fruition.

“When Turner was asked to participate in Project Playhouse by LPA , we saw it as an opportunity to give back to our local community, as well as work as a team with LPA on a feel good project,” said Turner Manager of Business Development Tom Donohue.

The teachable moments that would transpire as a result of creating the first truly sustainable (i.e. green) playhouse, were too good to miss.

“When we thought about the impact that a sustainable playhouse would have on the children and adults that would pass by it, it was a natural for LPA to participate,” recounts LPA President Dan Heinfeld. “Our first time participating was several years ago when we designed a Fire Station playhouse which was actually built by firemen. HomeAid has such a great mission, we are always happy to be a part of the playhouse fundraiser.”

The Ocean Adventure Lab is more playhouse than dollhouse. Everything about it points to learning, having fun and caring for the environment –both at sea and on land.

“It’s interesting that our concept of designing a mini ocean institute was well under way before the oil spill took place in the Gulf,” says ProRepro President Cindy Kennedy. “The idea of clean water is now more relevant than ever.”

Packed with ocean experiments and books from the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, this eco-friendly playhouse has a wave tank and even its own source of renewable energy. The Suntech Black Label photovoltaic solar modules on the roof of the Ocean Adventure Lab are aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient –a rare combo. Through this playhouse, homeowners can get a taste of actual photovoltaic panels and what they might look like at their house.

The first playhouse of its kind, this net zero lab produces as much power as it consumes. Vegetation on the viewing deck, and the landscaping in and around the playhouse are all drought tolerant, California natives. A truth wall exposes the structure’s innards so that the 100% natural wool insulation from Italy, piping, and composite wood structure can be seen. The luminaires and LED lighting incorporated in the playhouse are eco-chic and energy efficient. The Trex Accents sliding door and panels, mimic wood without splinters and maintenance. Trex is made of 95% recycled materials and keeps more than 600 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap out of landfills every year.

“We put a heavy focus on incorporating sustainable materials in our work,” describes Tangram Interiors President Joe Lozowski. “Our industrial design team’s expertise in the manipulation and engineering of materials, down to the smallest detail, gives us the ability to provide the healthiest solutions for our projects.”

A huge thank you goes to the U.S. Green Building Council – Orange County Chapter for their gracious recognition of this tiny, sustainable playhouse. On Tuesday, August 10, they bestowed an Honorary Certification to the Ocean Adventure Lab. USGBC is the organization behind the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. While the playhouses are not eligible for official LEED certification, the Ocean Adventure Lab was recognized for its application of LEED principles and design and construction practices.

For more information about green building in Orange County, visit www.usgbc-oc.org.