This Whimsical 200 Square Foot Treehouse Is What We Wished We Had as a Kid

It takes the perfect combination of childhood nostalgia and architectural whimsy to envision an arboreal abode as magical as the Garrison treehouse designed by NYC based-architect Sharon Davis. 

At 200 square feet, the hillside home serves as a multi-purpose space that earned its treehouse label due to its surroundings. The structure is comprised of two levels that are elevated by a set of tubular steel piles; reclaimed white cedar covers the exterior while the interior is made of weather-resistant polycarbonate. 

 A handmade customized climbing net and trap door lead to the living quarters. Once inside, a small balcony grants a view of the main farmhouse. On the other side of the house, the facade gives way to an unobstructed view of the Hudson River Valley.  Continuing with the playful design elements, this level also contains a second custom-made net that encourages visitors to lie back, relax and gaze up at the sky.

The next level is accessible by another ladder/trap door combo. This upper deck is a designated writing area, equipped with a mahogany desk that overlooks the surrounding meadow and apple orchard. A custom stainless steel descending slide allows guests to make their way down from the roof level to the main area. They can then exit the treehouse by way of a pair of columns that have been converted into fire poles. 

 The designers also took an innovative approach to construction by replacing a general contractor with a furniture-maker who was tasked with the off-site completion of custom finish elements along with the steel structure. 

As another example of her environmentally conscious work, Davis also constructed an eco-retreat near the Garrison treehouse. The two-level, 900-square-foot home sits on 70 acres of land and features a modern, minimalist interior with muted tones, as well as flooring and exterior cladding made from reclaimed wood and retractable windows.