- Design and Proposal: 2 weeks
- Preparation and Build: 4 weeks
- Cost: £40,000
Background
This large and busy family, with ages ranging from “new” to “getting on”, wanted an original and rustic tree house offering adventure for the children and an opportunity to escape for adults. With a stylish and striking setting, it was essential that the structure was individual but still sat happily in its natural surroundings.
Brief
We were asked to create a treehouse – “to be a Squirrel Design Special” – that the children could climb in and around on, that would encourage them to play outside in the beautiful rural garden , and that the adults could also enjoy. Dad saw himself camping out under the tree canopy with the children, and Mum craved some peace and quiet – some time to herself – sitting out on the balcony, enjoying the distant English landscape.
Design & build
We created a treehouse that is unusual but which still has charm. We arrived at a combination of irregular shapes and features – the “owl den” perched up the tree & accessed from inside the main treehouse space, the outward pitch of walls, arched windows – with a blend of different materials such as oak shakes, waney edge boards, polyhemp rope (a durable version of natural hemp). A rope ladder, trap door, knotted climbing rope, and basket on a pulley engage the children in the tree house. Easier access is via the curving staircase up to the front tree house balcony. Another balcony area to the rear can be used for play or for those peaceful moments.
