Treehouse Living: 4 Custom, Eco-friendly Options

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A house on the ground is just a house. But treehouse living? It may seem like an idea in the realm of favorite childhood fantasies, but a family treehouse could be a reality for you.
A house on the ground is just a house. But treehouse living? It may seem like an idea in the realm of favorite childhood fantasies, but a family treehouse could be a reality for you.
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This striking nighttime shot is of a custom treehouse built in the crown of a large tree.
This striking nighttime shot is of a custom treehouse built in the crown of a large tree.
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Karen Grayczk’s treehouse sits perfectly in the crook of a separated trunk … a perfect and stable fit.
Karen Grayczk’s treehouse sits perfectly in the crook of a separated trunk … a perfect and stable fit.
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Using miso barrels was a radical idea, but it worked. “To be honest,” says John-san, “I cannot imagine living in a groundhouse any longer.”
Using miso barrels was a radical idea, but it worked. “To be honest,” says John-san, “I cannot imagine living in a groundhouse any longer.”
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John-san reads the paper on a swing outside his custom treehouse.
John-san reads the paper on a swing outside his custom treehouse.
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The inside view of John-san's custom miso barrel treehouse.
The inside view of John-san's custom miso barrel treehouse.
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Larry Engel, an attorney who is thums up about carpentry, works on his treehouse.
Larry Engel, an attorney who is thums up about carpentry, works on his treehouse.
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Larry Engel’s beautifully detailed split-level treehouse sits in an old oak tree.
Larry Engel’s beautifully detailed split-level treehouse sits in an old oak tree.
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Engel’s house is made mainly of painted plywood.
Engel’s house is made mainly of painted plywood.
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A salvaged airplane has been creatively transformed into a bedroom space.
A salvaged airplane has been creatively transformed into a bedroom space.

Whether you want a refuge and retreat, a place for peaceful study and meditation, or even a permanent home, building up might be the solution. A treehouse can be just a simple deck with a rope ladder or an ambitious three-story structure with a living area, bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. (See How to Build a Treehouse for helpful building tips.)

There are now increasing numbers of eco-friendly custom treehouses, which use only salvaged materials and equipment: Water is collected and recycled, photovoltaic panels provide electricity, and double-glazed windows make for comfortable and energy-efficient treehouse living.

A History of Treehouse Living

Treehouses evoke deep, sometimes strange, emotions. They may remind us of happy childhood days spent building dens and hideaways. Whatever the emotional impact, there is no doubt being in a treehouse is an entirely different experience than “ground living.”

And they have a remarkable history. Treehouses have long been used by the people of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. The Kombai and Korowai of New Guinea traditionally lived in treehouses “like nests of giant birds,” according to one visitor. In the 1700s, the English navigator Capt. James Cook recorded an encounter with treetop dwellers in Tasmania.

  • Published on Aug 1, 2001
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