Friday, October 29, 2010

I want to live in a tree.

I don't know what it is about tree houses that we all love.  Is it because they remind us of our childhood?  Is it because the idea of living atop the trees is of fairytales?  Or is it because its always so impressive to think of a sturdy, structured building amongst the wild unpredictable branches of mother nature?  Either way, these tree houses which were built, to inhabit, as works of art, and some just because, are amazing! And of course... I want to live in them.

This is the image that I came across that inspired me to write about TreeHouses. 

It is by Architect Robert Harvey Oshatz
Wilkinson Residence, Portland , Oregon 
Designed 1997, Completed 2004

Located on a flag lot, a steep sloping grade provided the opportunity to bring the main level of the house into the tree canopy to evoke the feeling of being in a tree house.   A lover of music, the client wanted a house that not only became part of the natural landscape but also addressed the flow of music. This house evades the mechanics of the camera; it is difficult to capture the way the interior space flows seamlessly through to the exterior. One must actually stroll through the house to grasp its complexities and its connection to the exterior. One example is a natural wood ceiling, floating on curved laminated wood beams, passing through a generous glass wall which wraps around the main living room.

Then there's Alnwick Treehouse, UK

This massive structure is a main feature of the refurbished Alnwick Gardens and was opened to the public in early 2005. Alnwick Gardens can be reached from the A1 approximately 50 miles north of Newcastle. The house consists of a large restaurant with an open fire, meeting space and smaller outbuildings, all above the ground. Due to the size of the building, the use of tree support was not practical - instead it is held up with a combination of a huge network of wooden braces, concrete foundations and two concrete towers hidden within the design. There is an expansive deck area and rope bridge loop behind the house, all of which can be accessed by wheelchair.

The build

Alnwick Treehouse was designed, and the build managed, by Napper Architects of Newcastle in 2004. Concept drawings were initially produced by The Treehouse Company (then Peartree Treehouses) and the build itself was carried out by Sir Robert McAlpine.

The walkway joins opposite ends of the treehouse together via two suspension
bridges and one long wooden span which is partially covered.
Inside

There's an amazing restaurant in New Zealand called:
 This place is clearly AMAZING a night.

A different approach to the idea of a Tree House

Here's a more traditional but very high one 
Branching out: A spiral staircase leads to a tree house in Rambouillet Forest, France



This ostentatious tree house comes with a house for the adults and the children.

Both house are are connected by a rope bridge, so if you need some peace and quiet you could always burn the bridge!


"Takasugi-an" means 
“a tea house [built] too high.”


and last but NOT least...here's a STEAMPUNK tree house!

There are sooooo many more out there! I never realized how popular building different types of tree houses are until I looked it up! You should too....
Just google it man!

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