On March 3, 2006, Peter Margittai Architect unveiled The Time Machine, a playhouse designed and built to benefit the Girl Scouts of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

“We didn’t want to design a traditional playhouse,” Peter explained. “Instead, we wanted to create something that was whimsical and encouraged children to use their imagination.”

The 8’ x 8’ x 8’ playhouse, constructed by Fisher Renovations, LLC, features wing-like side doors that open and close with ropes and pulleys. The copper roof includes a propeller with canvas sails that move in the wind. The playhouse interior offers dials marked with dinosaurs and various time periods, plus pictures of Renaissance Italy, the American West and other places and times. Margittai also included fact sheets about constellations, wind movement, and other scientific facts.

In addition to Fisher Renovation, LLC, several other companies donated materials and services for this project: Metal work: Technique Architectural Products, Inc.; Sails: Ley Custom Studio; Lumber: O.C. Cluss Lumber Co.; Painting: Masterpiece Painting; and Roof: Likar Roofing Company.

The Time Machine was auctioned as part of the Build a Dream program for the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. This structure and eight others were showcased at the Home & Garden Show from March 3rd through March 12th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The Time Machine was also featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s March 11th article, “Playhouses bring childhood delight to Home & Garden Show.”