“Retreet” to These 5 Tree Houses for Arbor Day

Matt Shaw Matt Shaw

While many of us have fond memories of treehouses from our youth, they can also make for proper buildings for grown-ups. Earlier this week, we celebrated Earth Day with a collection of rammed-earth architecture; today, in honor of Arbor Day, we’re pleased to present five treehouses. Although they’re not necessarily supported by the actual trees — as is the case with adulthood in general, reality is a factor — these projects replicate the experience of being suspended in the trees.

© GreenLine Architects

© GreenLine Architects

Crystal River Tree House by GreenLine Architects, Crystal River, Colorado

According to the architects, “Crystal River Treehouse is the antithesis of efficiency. It was designed for fun, frivolity, and fantasy.”

© Western Design Architects

© Western Design Architects

The Lodge by Western Design Architects, Beaminster, United Kingdom

The homes are raised on posts and have terraces and pergola to achieve a “house-in-the-trees” feeling.

© Cabana Arquitetos

© Cabana Arquitetos

Tree House by Cabana Arquitetos, Campos de Jordão, Brazil

The Tree House is one of several tree houses by Cabana Arquitetos, who have a range of fun wooden hut-like projects of varying scales.

© FMD Architects

© FMD Architects

Treehouse Residence byFMD Architects, Lorne, Australia

Cantilevered spaces with large swaths of glass create the feeling of floating, while yoga serves as the inspiration for the home’s orientation.

© Archt. Narein Perera

© Archt. Narein Perera

Estate Bungalow at Mathugama by Archt. Narein Perera, Kalutara, Sri Lanka

This wild design is based on the traditional Chena Watch-hut, and affords a young couple a simple, yet comfortable place to stay.

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