2024 DCC Award Winner
DreamWorks Land, Shrek's Cottage at Universal Orlando, Universal Creative, Orlando, FL
First Place: Vertical & Facades, Under 5,000 SF

Welcome to Shrek's Cottage, the enchanting centerpiece of the entrance to DreamWorks Land, beckoning visitors with its whimsical charm. Standing tall at 40 feet, it looms over you as you enter, serving as the gateway to a fantastical world. Here, you're greeted by the iconic characters of Shrek, Fiona, their baby, and the ever-talkative Donkey. To the right, the E.T. ride stands proud, a nostalgic gem since its inception at Universal Florida in 1990. On the left, Swamp Snacks offers delectable treats while King Harold's singing frogs serenade passersby. Shrek's Cottage is a haven that welcomes guests to the magic of DreamWorks Land, inviting them to embark on unforgettable adventures.

The completion of Shrek's Cottage was a labor of love, requiring a meticulous process to bring the iconic building from the movies to life.   Lathe cages were welded to the structural steel to build out the rough shape of the cottage.  Scratch and carve coats were applied by skilled artisans sculpting the cementitious rockwork to match the dirt and mud-walled hut depicted in the films. Every detail was depicted carefully from the texture of the walls to the massive tree with roots extending out to form an awning over the door, ensuring that Shrek's Cottage emerged as a faithful reproduction of its on-screen counterpart. The result is a whimsical and enchanting structure that transports visitors into the heart of the beloved fairytale world of Shrek.