The Banyan Treehouse by Rockefeller Partners Architects
Rockefeller Partners Architects have designed a guesthouse/studio that resembles a treehouse.
Full description after the photos….
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The Banyan Treehouse by Rockefeller Partners Architects
Location: Nichols Canyon, Los Angeles, California
Completion Date: September 2009
Square Footage: 172 sf
Project Description
Located on a high eastern-facing ridge with views downtown Los Angeles in the distance, the Banyan Treehouse is a diminutive art studio and sanctuary. Rockefeller Partners was originally commissioned by this client to design a house that was ultimately never realized. Working together once again on this project, architect and client were able to revisit some of the design elements that they had originally explored in a different context, such as the striking butterfly roofline.
Perched atop steel pylons that abstractly emulate natural branches, the project is not literally a tree house but rather a modern interpretation of one. The design pays the ultimate respect to the pre-existing tree, literally shaping itself around the contours of the trunk. Inside, a single glass cut out in the floor reconnects the tree house inhabitant to the tree itself, a respectful and subtle nod to Mother Nature.
Every surface of the tree house is appointed with wood, creating an unparalleled level of warmth. The exterior is clad with high-grade cedar while the underside of the eaves and the structure itself are clad with rich palope. Inside, the walnut floors are complemented by walnut paneled walls.
Serving both as a studio and as guest accommodation, the tree house is completely self-sufficient with a water closet, fireplace, refrigerator, daybed, and television. Outside, a quick walk down the stairs leads to a protected and private outdoor shower.
Architect: Rockefeller Partners Architects
Rocky Rockefeller, AIA, Christopher Kempel, AIA, and Brian Pera
Interior Design: Alana Homesley Interior Design
Landscape Architect: Pamela Burton & Company
Photography: Eric Staudenmaier
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luke on 17 Mar 2010 at 9:37 am #
i just love the simplicity of the structure. i would love to spend a weekend here. check out their website, the residential work is beautiful. hats of to the team at rockefeller partners architects, your work is inspiring.
slim on 17 Mar 2010 at 10:33 am #
Toilet, but no sink…?
dean on 17 Mar 2010 at 12:20 pm #
i could definitely lounge in this!
anne on 17 Mar 2010 at 5:29 pm #
i’m sure that the book i’ve always wanted to write could be written here…..
maysaa on 18 Mar 2010 at 3:20 am #
absolutely love it but it scares me a bit i don’t know why maybe just because i have all those fairytale tree house stories in my head
very cozy and warm
Paul on 18 Mar 2010 at 3:22 am #
Very loonytoonian. Quite fun.
bekkymay on 18 Mar 2010 at 8:10 pm #
What a great little project. It’s nice to see high quality small projects. Bigger is not always better.
Tina on 19 Mar 2010 at 7:19 pm #
Great treehouse! A wonderful way to live.
wew on 22 Mar 2010 at 6:25 am #
The door jambs could have used a little metal highlight throughout. It is such a small and wonderful space the attention to the little things seems a little overlooked.
Gabriel on 25 Mar 2010 at 6:30 am #
It’s crazy how small, yet amazing it looks! Loving the shower outside.
iCanicus on 31 Mar 2010 at 5:42 pm #
Very nice design. I like it. I’m wondering how easy (or difficult) it’ll be to wash those exterior windows.