Sandbox by Hill House

Tobin Rogers

• Architects

Cushing Terrell partnered with Hill House Idaho to design a modern indoor play destination in Garden City, Idaho. The 11,740-square-foot project called for a space that could accommodate themed sandboxes, party rooms, a café, gift shop, and a full calendar of classes, camps, and events — all unified in one environment designed to work equally well for children and their parents.

photo_credit Tobin Rogers — Tobin Rogers

The design challenge was to balance energy and calm within the same space. Active play zones needed to feel immersive and adventurous for children, while seating areas stayed relaxed and functional for parents.

The Cushing Terrell team addressed this by layering different zones within the open floor plan, so each area feels distinct without walls dividing them, using varied furniture scales and a material palette that’s clean, modern, and durable without losing warmth. Every zone speaks for itself: kids feel the space was made for them, and parents feel at ease.

Three themed sandboxes anchor the floor plan, each built to spark discovery and pull kids into social play. Zones shift from active to quieter areas, giving families room to play together or peel off on their own. Seating areas flex to fit however people want to use them: working remotely, grabbing a coffee, or planting themselves right next to the children.

The four party rooms mix personality with flexibility. Modular furniture lets families make each space their own for an event, while the base design keeps enough character to feel special on its own. The café and gift shop round out the guest experience, adding a sense of occasion to every visit.

Cushing Terrell provided architecture, interior design, and engineering services for Sandbox by Hill House, turning the owner’s vision and guiding principles into a built environment that supports child development, community connection, and long-term operational success. The design reflects a deep understanding of how space shapes behavior and experience, and how thoughtful design can become the foundation for a thriving business.

Cushing Terrell Design Team

Principal in Charge: Nicole Dovel-Moore

Project Manager: Tina Rothermund

Design Lead: Jill Lee

Electrical Engineering: Isaac Gross

Interior Design: Jill Lee, Maddi Miller

Mechanical Engineering: Jeremy Wilson

Project Team
Architecture: Cushing Terrell

Interior Design: Cushing Terrell

Electrical Engineering: Cushing Terrell

Mechanical Engineering: Cushing Terrell

Plumbing Design: Cushing Terrell
Contractor: DK Constructors