Synopses & Reviews
Where there are trees and humans, here have always been treehouses ¿ places to sleep, to eat, to dream, and to play. This wonderful book presents an inspirational selection of some of the finest ever made by The TreeHouse Company, the world's biggest treehouse building business. It features over twenty beautifully designed treehouses in detail, from simple playrooms for children to two-storied adventure complexes linking a number of trees, as well as cozy dens, office treehouses, a dining room in the sky complete with a full kitchen, and even a conference complex.
Following an introduction that sketches the history of the treehouse, from Emperor Caligula's "Eyrie," where guests were entertained by jugglers and acrobats, to the incredible new treehouse complex at Alnwick in the UK, the book features detailed case studies. Each narrates the design and construction of the treehouse, explaining how the designers worked in sympathy with the surroundings, what steps the builders took to conserve the tree, and how it is suited to the owner's needs. The materials used in construction are also listed. The final part of the book recounts a build in detail, showing exactly what happened during construction and is followed by easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, giving useful advice for those planning their own treehouse. Throughout the book a selection of stunning photographs of interiors and exteriors show exactly how far treehouses have come in recent years.
Whether it is a place for work or for family relaxation, the ambience of a treehouse is quite different from any other place. Wonderful views, a sense of being close to nature, the cool shade of foliage, and the gentle rustling, combine to make treehouses a unique place apart from normality. The amazing structures in this book will make anyone with a tree in their garden look up and wonder.
Synopsis
There is something gloriously childlike, adventurous, and escapist in a refuge hidden away in the trees. Here, the master builders at PearTree, architects of the finest custom treehouses in the world, take readers through their most beautiful projects, and tell exactly how it's done. Today's structures are a far cry from the small and unstable affairs that the word treehouse might conjure. These are beautiful retreats nestled in the branches. Treehouses shows just how far the idea can be taken, including offices, dining rooms, writing spaces, and whole complexes attached by rope ladders. They are designed inside and out with the best materials to offer comfort and repose and fit in with their surroundings, the tree itself becoming part of the interior. In fact, PearTree considers the future growth of the trees they use, allowing for adjustment.
For the reader who'd like to build his own place in the sky, the book gives suggestions on how to pick a tree, assess its health, and plan a structure. For those readers who prefer to dream, shots of interior and exterior, complete with wonderful views, conjure the restful sound of foliage in the breeze. The result is a beautiful book that will be visited time and time again.
About the Author
JOHN HARRIS is the founder of PearTree, a company that designs and builds more than 150 treehouses in living trees each year across Britain and Europe. He lives in Fenwick, U.K. with his wife, two sons, and a whole menagerie of animals. He was two years old when his father built him his first treehouse.