Treehouse w/o Tree

Recently we had the pleasure of collaborating with a big-time NYC design firm on a luxury treehouse for Miami, Florida. As always with fantastical projects, there were a few challenges (no trees, 100+mph winds, shifting soils), but that just made the project more enticing. No holds barred, we began with dozens of freehand sketch and verbal proposals. Reliably, this chaotic, creative brainstorming is the most enjoyable part of every project. Fabulously creative, imaginative and hilariously irreverent, most architects would be happy if they were paid and dismissed after this initial fun. But of course, there’s still the very real building to be made…

Sampling of ideas for a “tree-free” treehouse.

Eventually, the designers and architects settled on a few finalists to show the client. Among ourselves, we were confident they all could be built. But until we undertook engineering and code research, these were just compelling cartoons to show the client. During that presentation, the query always arises, “How much?” to which we have no good answer (initially) because it depends largely on the engineering and code research….and the final finish choices. The fun is figuring all that out, but it takes a lot of time for each proposal so we must whittle down the choices to just one or two.

In this case, the finalists were referred to as The Tulip and The Obelisk

The Tulip

The curvilinear shape would provide a welcome counterpoint to the relentless rectangular architecture of Miami Beach.

Comprised of pre-formed glulam ribs with internal steel post-tensioning, and factory-built infill panels to be prefabricated and then assembled on site. All utilities would arrive through the stem.

The access bridge can be seen beyond.

Eventually, the Obelisk design was seen as a better proposal to show the client.  But before that final decision, we engaged our photorealistic magicians so we could see in computerized detail what the designs might look like when completed.

These images show two different approaches to the Tulip design.  The first reveals more of the structure and provides exterior balconies. The second is more enclosed, protecting the occupants from Florida’s incredibly hot sun.  While the Tulip didn’t make the cut, several aspects of that proposal were eventually incorporated into the final Obelisk design.

The Obelisk

Accessed from the second floor of the main house by a bridge that was intentionally designed to feel rickety even while meeting Florida’s stringent hurricane codes.

Drawbridge Deck

Contributing to the fantasy is a deck that can be winched up like a drawbridge to protect against the enemy’s missiles….and the Florida sun!

Even if this treehouse is never built, we are better design/builders for having collaborated with engineers, builders and other designers on this challenging project.

Give us a call when you want an impossible fantasy of your own! (even a very small one)