The Ocean Adventure Lab

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

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.