A Returning Client
From irrigation box to community landmark
My brother Fynn and I first met Perry earlier in 2025 when he reached out about a new redwood irrigation box. We got it built and he loved it — so a few months later, we were back on-site for something much bigger.
Perry wanted to build a gathering point for his community on Cowper Street, just across from Hoover Park. The vision: a little library with treats for dogs, books for kids, and books for adults. A place where neighbors pause, connect, and share.
The best part — Perry already trusted our quality from the first project and gave us full creative flexibility to bring this build to life.
The Build
The core
The heart of the library is an A-grade plywood core reinforced with 18 steel brackets and over 120 screws. Some might call it overkill — we call it solid.
The base
The pressure-treated post sits over two feet into the ground, set in concrete sloped away from the base to prevent water pooling. The base itself is built from redwood 2x6s and 2x4s with another six steel brackets for rock-solid stability.
Redwood exterior
We clad the plywood core in beautiful redwood — hand-sanded up to 320 grit and finished with teak oil for weathering and color protection. The tongue-and-groove trim pieces were custom-milled to wrap the structure cleanly.
The doors
Each level gets its own redwood-framed door with a push-to-open magnet closure — easy for kids and adults to open with one hand.
The treat box
A custom redwood treat box with stainless steel hinges and a clasp latch — mounted on the post for neighborhood dogs to enjoy.
The roof
Layered redwood slats with a rougher finish overhang the front and sides by 4.5 inches — keeping the contents dry while giving the library its signature silhouette.
Built to Last
Every detail on this build was chosen for longevity:
- A-grade plywood core held together by 18 steel brackets and over 120 screws
- Redwood exterior sanded up to 320 grit and finished with teak oil for weather and UV protection
- Pressure-treated post over 2 feet into the ground with concrete sloped away from the base
- All exterior finishing nails are stainless steel — not galvanized — to prevent iron-tannate streaking over time
- The entire structure is sealed with wood glue and caulking — rigid and waterproof
The Result
The finished library before heading to its new home on Cowper Street — two levels, two doors, a treat box, and a layered redwood roof.
With two levels — lower for kids and upper for adults — a push-to-open magnet system, and a treat box for dogs, there aren't many little libraries like this in Palo Alto. Dare I say, the Bay Area.
Installed on Cowper Street
Does your dog want a treat? Does your kiddo want to exchange a book? Just across from Hoover Park — come say hello.
