Architecture Wednesday: French Treehouse

Okay, so it’s not a treehouse but it is a house in the trees, in a lovely pine forest in Frehel, France, and was created and built by Atelier Victoria Migliore to harness the fun and authentic elements of an actual treehouse.

The house, while it  sits on a hill in the midst of a forest, and appears quite rustic, is actually a very modern and contemporary; and green, because it not only blends into the nature surrounding it but also respects it.

The plot on which the house was built is sandy which created the need for foundation posts deep into the soil, and allowing the house to float above the terrain; at its highest point the house is raised nearly ten feet off the ground. Great care was taken with the posts, so they did not disrupt, disturb, or harm the roots of the pine trees around the treehouse.

The house is a single rectangle made of locally sourced, and upcycled, burned wood. Still, the rectangle is not solid on all sides all the way around but features several voids where miniature courtyards indent to accommodate trees and green space views through stunning floor to ceiling windows all the way around its perimeter. The way the windows and glass walls open onto raised outdoor spaces makes the treehouse feel as though the surrounding woods extend inside the home and into the main living spaces; in addition, balconies and raised courtyards make the whole raised experience of staying there consistent to being in the trees.

The wooden theme carries throughout the home, though there are some unique features: like the tiled fishpond running through the center of the house. And the knotted rope hammock that is suspended about the central fishpond. And as if those features aren’t interesting enough, over the edge of the deck there are two wooden rope swings where adults, and children if that’s your thang, can play.

Inside the gorgeously smooth light wood keeps things grounded in that woodland feel while the large windows and up to date appliances and amenities provide a thoroughly modern living experience; the large windows carry through to the bathrooms making the house bright and open no matter where you are. Adding to that openness is the fact the Each room has a glass wall in the center that look out upon the fishpond. These windows also let natural daylight and the warmth from the sun travel through the house, rather than just into it, helping make it more efficient to light and heat.

Like I said, it’s not really a treehouse but it is a house in the trees, with a sort of river running through it.

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