Some houses are rooted in the earth. Some houses are based on the landscape. But the tree house is tied to the sky.
Tree houses have the ability to transport children into a new world. They symbolize an opportunity for discovery; a chance to see the world through a new lens. They spark creativity and imagination, a sense of wonder. And although they are small in size, that doesn’t stop children from spending hours in them. In fact, the limited size of the tree house is what makes this all possible. Because a unique spatial relationship is created between the small inhabited space, and the vast surrounding.
This design attitude inspired the Tree House.
When designing the tree house, the greatest constraint was the limited footprint. Rather than use the factor as a hindrance, it created an opportunity. There was not an abundance of land, but there was an abundance of sky.
The first floor was programmed to maximize the limited exterior space, while the second floor was designed to create a connection with the sky. The Tree House’s entrance is characterized by a river rock driveway lined by a variety of plantings and trees. These large trees give the project a sense of place, enveloping the house and emphasizing the height. The limited outdoor space was intentionally programmed to provide ample room for entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. This led to the incorporation of outdoor living space, dining space, gardens, and a fountain. Inside is the kitchen and dining room, where there are two French doors that create a dialogue between the exterior and interior space. The livable space at the first floor is only 400 sf; however, the thoughtful programming of the garden makes the interior space feel larger, as the kitchen becomes part of the garden.
As you climb the stairs there is a clear transition from the ground to the sky.
The ground floor is very earthy, filled with plants and natural textures. This is dramatically contrasted by the second floor which is characterized by the unique ceiling, emphasis on light, and stark white walls. Dormers and a cupola create this unexpected experience, and draw in diffused natural light, creating a beautiful atmosphere. The space really feels elevated, and deep in the trees, as the thick canopies and foliage are seen through the windows.
The second floor of the Tree House is 800 sf, and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and the living room. Since the space upstairs is quite small, it was important to create a sense of privacy between the primary bedroom and remaining areas. In order to accomplish this, the utility spaces were placed to separate the living room from the primary bedroom. The entrance is framed by tall cherry doors, which fit the scale of the space, and emphasize the height. At the left of the hall is the built-in bookcase, filled with a National Geographic collection, and at the right is the laundry nook.
Despite the small footprint, the space feels large and open, because of the scale and views the interior space benefits from. Each room in the Tree House feels unique and special, even though the house is quite humble in nature. There is nothing flashy about the house. However, what is captivating about the place is the thoughtfulness that was put into every area. Each space within the house was designed to be an experiential moment.
The Tree House is a reminder that no space is too small to feel important.
