A treehouse: a natural living space

Like the hut in the woods (see http://www.floornature.com/blog/ecological-overnight-accommodations-in-the-woods-matali-crasset-and-her-andldquomaison-sylvestreandrdquo--7463), the treehouse is an essential element of our playful imagery associated with the idea of getting away from it all, both figuratively and literally.

Always fascinated by this idea of the shelter in the treetops, German engineer Andreas Wenning has made his passion into a job: he builds treehouses for children and adults alike. People can get away from it all, ecologically, in their own garden, without having to travel far and in close contact with nature.

“Between Alder and Oak” is located, as its name suggests, between two trees of these species in a family garden in Osnabrück (northern Germany), where it provides a retreat with a spectacular view of the fields and woods around it.The 9.6 square metre cabin is 5 metres above the ground. It is anchored to the oak with steel cables and belts, with most of its weight resting on 3 inclined conical pillars. The treehouse is simply furnished with a bed, a bench and a chest of drawers.

The ventilated façade has a number of layers: oak wood on the inside, double insulation and rounded oak wood panelling. Excellent insulation and a small heat source ensure that the treehouse may be used year round.The construction is completed with two terraces, one 4 metres above the ground and the other on the same level as the house, made of local oak wood integrated into the living organism of the tree, adding another 20 square metres to the total usable space.

Così “Between Alder and Oak” adds a new dimension to the garden, in harmony with the trees: an absolutely innocuous way of getting away from it all without harming the environment.

Design: Andreas Wenning, http://www.baumraum.de
Location: Osnabrück, Germany
Photographs: Alasdair Jardine
Related links: Ecological accommodations in the woods - http://www.floornature.com/blog/ecological-overnight-accommodations-in-the-woods-matali-crasset-and-her-andldquomaison-sylvestreandrdquo--7463/

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