Name: Anne Hebert
Location: North University — Austin, Texas
My parents wanted to create a special tree house for their grandchildren while staying true to the style of their late 1930's Modern/Prairie-style house. They found the perfect spot and tree, but wanted to build something that wouldn't be attached to the tree.
This led to some creative engineering and design by the boys' father, local designer/builder Garland Turner of WoodEye Construction & Design. The treehouse is entirely supported by its steel staircase, attached to a submerged 6'x6'x6' block of concrete. Welded angle-iron, steel tubing and untreated wood (angelim) slats comprise the structure. The stair treads incorporate slots that double as handholds in place of a handrail, and the boys can safely open the counter-balanced trap door by spinning a modified trailer tongue lift. No fingers lost yet!
The boys use the space year-round and have decorated it with their own paintings. They have yet to host a sleepover in it, but that's coming soon; we're lobbying for Grandpa to be the one to sleep up there with them.
Thanks, Anne!
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Ingenious and thoughtful design, and it's nice that the tree is incorporated without being attached. Especially interesting are the hand-slots on the treads... I assume the issue of splinters has been addressed? Also, what is the roofing material?
I wonder if they had to get a building permit for this. Our city loves to slap fines on people who do creative things for their children.
Wow, am I jealous. When I was little, it would have been a challenge to get me to ever leave.
@CBReynolds - they didn't get a permit according to the COA online public permit search. I'm pretty sure they should have gotten one as any new structures or alterations to existing structures require permits in Austin. There is an exception for "accessory structures" under 200 SF (i.e. a shed) but they must be one story and as this is off the ground, I think it would've needed a permit. Posting it on the internet unpermitted might not have been the best idea.
I see treehouses and immediately think "Spiders!" My friend's treehouse also became the temporary home of two vagrants when he was a kid.
HAHA glad i'm not the only one, fifth.
You definitely need a permit for an off-the-ground spider nesting area.
I want this treehouse in my backyard in Rhode Island. And I want it stocked with bourbon so I can move there and forget about people who can't just appreciate and comment on the craftsmanship and artistry before they go searching to see if the builder secured a permit for a treehouse. And maybe some Ring Dings. Oops, I meant "Ring Dings plus that registered trademark symbol that I can't find on my iPad." Sorry.