A Tree House to Make Tarzan Swoon

From Margaret on March 21st, 2011 in General Remodel

If you think that playing up in the trees is only for kids, then you haven’t seen the Hale-Edmonds’ Northwest home. Brushing against the surrounding treetops, this home merges the outdoors with the indoors, and the adult world with the wonderful world of children to create a dwelling like you’ve never seen before.

With a budget under $25K, the Hale-Edmonds chose their plot for its affordability as well as its proximity to their part of the community garden. Surrounded by lush nature, this site was ideal for its beauty, yet posed several challenges. The family decided on a cantilever-like plan, offering an open design that creates a world in and of itself.

The three-story home has been created with open sight lines so the Hale-Edmonds can easily view their twins Pippa and Maisie. The open loft-like plan of the house and its use of simple materials is a slight nod to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The open interior focuses largely on self-made arts and crafts.

Hale, a furniture-maker, designed many of the furnishings with plywood, such as the couch featuring storage for children’s books. Plywood and cork abound throughout, providing an affordable and beautiful atmosphere that honors simplicity as much as the intricacy of a child’s world and art.

From the exterior asphalt roll roofing to the hammocks on the porches, this house integrates the natural beauty around it into everyday living. One year, the twins were delighted to watch a squirrel’s nest just outside their window. And this beautiful tree house will no doubt delight the Hale-Edmonds family for years to come.