This Lions Den playroom was completed in May, 2020 by Chris for the Brand Family (Scott, Rose, Tylee-6 and Savannah-4) in their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico with themed murals and 3D concrete tree.
The project took 6 weeks from start to finish. Chris designed and hand painted the murals, and fabricated the 3D concrete tree with the help of Scott Brand and branch fabricator Mario. Scott built the bridge and installed the swing. There are over 21 crosses hidden throughout the room. The 15,000 sq. ft. home with playroom was featured in the Parade of Homes 2020 in Albuquerque in June, 2020.
When they married, Scott and Rose Brand had older sons from previous marriages, but they wanted to adopt a girl. After 2 years of unsuccessfully battling to adopt Tylee from her mother (who was struggling with a drug addiction) which had gotten very costly, they received a call that Savannah needed a family. They adopted both girls, from different mothers, but they look just like sisters. The Lions Den will be a wonderful place for the girls to grow and explore for years to come.
THE PROJECT:
From Design to Construction to Completion
The Brands contacted Chris through a mutual designer friend. After they contracted Chris for the project, he began drawing images based on the “Lion King” books he provided them.
Then the Tree came into play…a center tunnel and 4’9″ inside, a rope bridge and completed with a rope swing. The Tree is made of sunotubes, 10 – 2’x8′ metal lathe sheets, 1660 screws and 12 – 80 lb bags of concrete. (see more trees created by Chris) The tree is branded with the initials of each member of the Brand family, along with their hand prints on the tree trunk. 300 silk tree branches bring the tree to life.
The Brands completed their home in 2020 on a 2 1/2 acre property with gray/black tones throughout the house. Walking into the Lions Den is like walking from a black & white scene in the “Wizard of Oz” into full vibrant color. When Chris completed the project and left it in the hands of the Brand girls, Tylee and Savannah, they made the room their own with all of their favorite things, which only added to the liveliness and character of the space.
