The Parade of Playhouses is the newest initiative for the NRVHBA at the 2025 NRV Home Expo.
The NRVHBA has worked with two of their builder members who have designed, constructed, and donated two custom-built playhouses to be displayed and auctioned off at the NRV Home Expo on March 22nd and 23rd.
Proceeds from the two playhouses will directly benefit the NRVHBA Microgrant Program. The NRVHBA Microgrant Program provides funding for special projects and/or materials within elementary and secondary classrooms that align with the workforce development interests of the home building and construction industry. This program can provide the opportunity for teachers to enhance their curriculum, maximize opportunities for their students, and encourage interest in construction trades careers.
Since the program began in the Fall of 2023, the NRVHBA Microgrant Program has provided over $13,000 to our area schools!
Meet the Builders
Steve Englund - West Meadow Construction Steve Englund, of West Meadow Construction, built the Castle Yard Playhouse. Steve’s idea for the playhouse came to him while visiting a local park that featured wheelchair-accessible ramps for children. This sparked the vision for Castle Yard: a fun and accessible space where all kids can play together.
The Castle Yard Playhouse is a great example of West Meadow Construction’s creativity. Steve has enjoyed the process and would love to take on more projects like this in the future, exploring different designs or unique ideas.
Steve and his team focus on small projects that make a big impact. They’ve found that many homeowners in the New River Valley struggle to find skilled contractors for smaller home improvements. That’s where West Meadow Construction steps in. “Everybody has a list,” Steve explains, “and our goal is to help clients check things off.”
Having the Castle Yard Playhouse proceeds donated to the NRVHBA Microgrant Program is especially meaningful to Steve. “It’s exciting to take the time to build something simple but impactful,” he says. “Projects like this can truly make a difference in our community.”
Reach out to Steve about your next project!
West Meadow Construction
Steve Englund (Owner)
(540) 315-3456
Joshua Cook - Wizards With Sticks Construction
Joshua Cook's latest project, the Hobbit Hideaway Playhouse, is a tribute to The Lord of the Rings, designed for families who love fantasy and adventure. As a self-proclaimed LOTR enthusiast, Josh felt that a Hobbit Hole playhouse would be the perfect concept. He is passionate about projects that embrace creativity and uniqueness, and the Hobbit-inspired design offers a space for the imagination while encouraging everyday play. The details of this playhouse were carefully considered, including the iconic round Hobbit door and the flip-up counter in the back.
Wizards with Sticks specializes in funky, unconventional designs which are a hallmark of the company, and they thrive on creating spaces that push the boundaries of traditional home design.
Having the Hobbit Hole Playhouse donated to the Microgrant Program is especially meaningful to WWS.
The company is dedicated to supporting the next generation of tradesmen and tradeswomen. WWS understands that they are building the world and feel that investing in trade education and school funding is essential to ensuring these crucial skills continue to thrive.
Reach out to Josh about your next project!
Wizards With Sticks Construction, LLC
Joshua Cook & Dominic Collini (Owners)
540-818-7600
Come out and support the NRV Home Expo on March 22 & 23! The Parade of Playhouses will be on display. There will be 80+ exhibitors for all your homebuilding and renovation needs, a Lego Homebuilding Contest, and a silent auction.
For more information and tickets to the expo, follow this link: https://www.nrvhomeexpo.com/attend-the-expo
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