How to safely raise shed above the ground (making fort)

[affa]

First off, I have already successfully built a 8x12 shed using these plans. I made a chicken coop and used concrete pier blocks and 4x4 skids as the base. It was a great success, very sturdy and the chickens are safe.

I'm about to build another one (same size, 8x12) but this time for my kids. I would like to have it several feet off the ground so that the fort is both higher up (cool factor) and we can use the underneath for winter outdoor toy storage.

I have all the lumber for a basic build and am willing to buy more, but I'm not sure how to ensure any 'legs' are stable. Is there a way to do this? Can I get away with, say, 4x4 legs that are mounted to piers blocks and then mounted to the floor frame? Do I no longer need skids? Do I add support by connecting the legs together with horizontal boards?

Any thoughts appreciated, I will have kids all over this thing and want to be extremely safe.

 

[Phil the shed man]

If you make the skids out of sandwiched 2x6 or 2x8 then attach them to the uprights with bolts through the sides of the skids. I would place the skids close to the walls for stability. Say 12 inches in. Then 3-4 uprights on each skid, mounted in concrete. You want to build it extra sturdy if you're using it for a playhouse.