31-07-2017

Treehouse Place, how to build a tree house

Adventure Spirit, Matjis Barbris,

Andra Marta, Filips Smits,

Treehouse Place 2017, a workshop held in the municipality of Strenči in the Latvian forest, where eight platforms were constructed in the trees, ended a few days ago.



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Treehouse Place, how to build a tree house Treehouse Place 2017, a workshop held in the municipality of Strenči in the Latvian forest, where eight platforms were constructed in the trees, ended a few days ago. A unique opportunity to live and build in nature.
 
We all dream of having a treehouse, and this is testified by the growing number of constructions in trees, including elaborate hotel rooms (link) as well as small, private getaways. But their true charm lies in the whole process, from the concept to the construction of the tree building in the middle of nature, which is exactly what the Treehouse Place experience offered. We chatted to Matijs Babris from the association of young Latvian architects (students and professionals), one of the organisers of this summer workshop, together with latvian outdoor organisation “Adventure Spirit” .
The workshop was held from 5 to 16 July 2017 in Strenči, a Latvian municipality in the middle of a thick forest. Here, the participants were guided by architects, engineers and arborists as they built eight timber platforms anchored to the trees, working more than 10 metres above ground level and using eco-friendly, self-building methods. A distinctive experience that we can see in the video build a tree house
The participants learnt how to work and build at height using the appropriate safety equipment, like modern, Italo Calvino-style “Barons in the Trees”. Spending time in the treetops helps you engage with the forest and gives you new perspectives and sensibilities towards this ecosystem that is fundamental for our very life.
Apart from their building activities, the participants in the Summer Camp - from different northern European countries - also made hammocks from rope and crafted rafts on the river, in other words they enjoyed a truly immersive experience in nature, expanding their horizons and learning lots of do-it-yourself skills.
At the end of the workshop, Treehouse Place became the location for a public festival featuring music, food art installations and creative activities on the different platforms. A convivial opportunity to also share the unique sensation of being up in the trees, where the slight movement of the suspended structures vaguely reminds you of being in a boat and rocked by the gentle waves, as Matjis Barbris confirmed. Trying is believing.
 
Christiane Bürklein

Treehouse Place
from 5 to 16 July 2017
LocationStrenči, Latvia
Organisers: Atelpa – Students & Young architects union, Adventure Spirit
Images: Andra Marta, Filips Smits

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