Treehouses have long been a source of wonder and imagination. They evoke memories of our carefree childhood days when we built and lived in secret hideouts suspended among the branches. They symbolize adventure and freedom, allowing us to climb high into the treetops and escape the everyday world.
Over time, treehouses have evolved from simple fort-like structures to architectural wonders. Some are built with intricate details and whimsical designs, while others are more rustic and natural. But no matter their style, all treehouses share one thing in common: they’re bound to offer you a unique and magical experience!
In this article, we will journey through the most unusual treehouses around the world that challenge our perceptions of “home sweet home” and the boundless possibilities of human imagination.
The Mirrorcube Treehouse
Location: Harads, Sweden
A treehouse wrapped entirely in mirrored glass panels? Yes, you heard it right! Hidden within Sweden's Boreal Forest lies this architectural marvel named the "Mirrorcube Treehouse". Its mirror-clad exterior reflects the forest's greenery and the ever-changing sky, producing a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
Built by visionaries Bolle Tham and Martin Videgrd in 2010, this treehouse is an enchanting fusion of surreal fantasy and harmonious coexistence with the wilderness. The transparent, dice-like structure effectively blends with the surroundings, creating the illusion of a glass cube seemingly floating amidst the trees.
A stay in the Mirrorcube Treehouse is akin to a magical journey. Here, you'll find yourself entirely immersed in the tranquility of nature while relishing the comforts of modern living.
Ascend the stairs made of rope and wood that will lead you up to a sparsely visible door. Step inside, and you’ll discover a cozy ambiance with panoramic views. Here, guests can become one with the forest, observing wildlife in its natural habitat. The interior design captivates with its minimalist and contemporary allure while boasting all necessities carefully integrated to preserve the treehouse's unique charm.
The Free Spirit Spheres, Canada
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Hanging like giant acorns among the towering cedars of Vancouver Island, Canada, the Free Spirit Spheres redefine the concept of suspended living. These dome-shaped treehouses named “Eryn”, “Luna”, and “Melody” crafted by Tom Chudleigh, sway gently with the breeze.
The sphere, which almost looks like a nutshell, offers guests an invitation to indulge in peaceful and unique accommodation amidst the surrounding natural beauty.
The very sight of the Free Spirit Spheres is extraordinary and evokes images of magical orbs nestled within the forest canopy. The spherical structures are meticulously crafted from wood and blend harmoniously with the surrounding trees, providing an immersive and intimate communion with nature. Inside, each sphere is equipped with cozy sleeping areas, storage space, and large windows.
These treehouses are suspended above the forest floor, letting guests slumber among the treetops while being enveloped by nature's melodies. You'll get to experience a serene retreat where the stresses of modern life melt away, replaced by the tranquility of the wilderness.
The 4Treehouse
Location: Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
As a remarkable example of human ingenuity, the 4Treehouse not only offers a serene retreat but also an opportunity to rediscover the landscapes near the tranquil shores of Lake Muskoka from a vantage point like no other.
The 4Treehouse stands as a testament to creative architecture, architectural innovation, eco-friendliness, and immersive natural experiences. Designed by Lukasz Kos, the treehouse offers an enchanting escape from the ordinary. This treehouse is elevated on four separate trunks, mimicking the look of a colossal tree. And on nights when it’s all lit up the structure starts to resemble the Japanese lantern called “Tōrō”.
The 4Treehouse
What truly sets this unique treehouse apart is its minimal impact on the environment. It's distinct from its woodland surroundings and built without damaging any of the host trees. The modern, geometric design juxtaposed against the natural surroundings creates a visual spectacle. Altogether, the structure showcases a harmonious coexistence between nature and design.
Perched among the trees, it beckons visitors to embrace a harmonious connection with both nature and contemporary design. Suspension bridges connect it and you’ll even see a series of interconnected platforms that provide an array of spaces for relaxation, contemplation, and appreciation of picturesque views.
The Minister's Treehouse (or Horace Burgess's Treehouse)
Location: Crossville, Tennessee, USA
The Minister's Treehouse in Tennessee is a colossal feat of an architect's passion, vision, and unwavering dedication to creating an extraordinary space. Visitors to this towering wonder are sure to be captivated by the immense scale and the whimsical charm of its creator's imagination.
The local minister, Horace Burgess, spent over a decade constructing this towering treehouse, making it one of the largest in the world. The treehouse stands tall at 97 feet (29.5 meters) and is supported by a central tree. Its towering height and intricate design offer an awe-inspiring experience that transcends the boundaries of a traditional treehouse.
The treehouse features multiple levels, spiral staircases, and even a basketball court. Despite its unusual size, the treehouse maintains an organic connection with the surrounding trees, as if it has grown with them over time.
The interior of the treehouse is a labyrinth of rooms, hallways, and passageways, revealing surprising details at every turn. A combination of reclaimed materials and recycled items adds to the treehouse's unique character, giving it a sense of history and storytelling. The grandeur and eccentricity make it a must-see for those with a penchant for architectural marvels.
The HemLoft
Location: Whistler, Canada
Tucked within the serene woods of Whistler, The HemLoft is an enchanting egg-shaped treehouse that weaves innovation and sustainability. Crafted by Joel Allen, a former software developer turned carpenter, this whimsical abode hangs gracefully among hemlock trees, an embodiment of unconventional design.
This extraordinary treehouse not only captures attention with its appearance but also with the narrative of its inception, epitomizing the harmony achievable between imaginative construction and ecological mindfulness.
What sets it apart is its innovative use of repurposed and recycled materials in its construction. The HemLoft seamlessly fuses nature with architecture, offering an eco-friendly sanctuary. Its distinctive form and sustainable essence exemplify the fusion of human ingenuity and the environment, underscoring The HemLoft as a captivating testament to both creativity and responsible living.
The story behind its creation is as captivating as its appearance. Joel initially faced a car-bound lifestyle. He later transformed it into a unique adventure called "sport sleeping," where he and a friend aimed to find the most peculiar sleeping spots. After trying many unconventional places like logs and water towers, Allen's dream of a personal forest dwelling took root. Inspired by this idea, the egg-shaped HemLoft treehouse emerged through discussions with friends.
The Tree Snake Houses
Location: Pedras Salgadas, Portugal
The Tree Snake Houses in Portugal redefine the idea of a contemporary treehouse, merging seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The architecture owes its genius to a father-and-son duo named, Luís Rebelo de Andrade and Tiago Rebelo de Andrade. These structures will remind you of giant brown tree snakes winding around the trees.
Their minimalist yet innovative exterior design allows them to blend into the forest, providing an immersive experience in nature. These houses offer a unique perspective on the environment, inviting visitors to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.
Climb up the broad long bridge that leads to the well-spaced interiors that are lit up by a low-consumption LED lighting technology. You will see the dominance of light-colored woods and white furnishings extending throughout the spaces.
The main highlight happens to be the sleeping space where you have a front-facing window that looks to the forest beyond. Additionally, there is a set of skylights overhead that lets you gaze at the sky and stars, giving you a feeling as if you're inside a tree.
Castles in Arbres (Chateaux Dans Les Arbres)
Location: Dordogne, France
Have you ever dreamed of staying in a hidden castle in the trees? If so, then Chateaux Dans Les Arbres by French architect Rémi Bècherel will surely make it come true! Also known as Castles in Arbres or Castles in the Trees, this architectural marvel is inspired by the fairytales of the old, and it will transport you to a realm of magic and charm.
Located in the heart of the Dordogne region in France, Chateaux Dans Les Arbres is a collection of whimsical treehouses that resemble miniature castles suspended among the trees.
Each treehouse is beautifully designed with elegant interiors, showcasing modern wood-finished decor and furnishings. You’ll love the scenic views of the surrounding forest seen from the terrace. There is also an infinity pool and hot tub on-site, where you can soak in the beauty of nature and relax after a long day of exploring.
The Teahouse Tetsu
Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
If you're a fan of the Japanese fantasy film "Magic Tree House" (2011), then you'll love this real-life treehouse in the Kiyoharu Art Village in Hokuto, Japan! Just like the movie the treehouse looks adorable and is supported only by a single cypress trunk. What even makes it more appealing is its solitary presence amidst a garden blossoming with an array of cherry blossoms.
Conceived by the imaginative mind of Terunobu Fujimori, this magical treehouse exhibits a remarkable fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary architecture. The structure features “shou sugi ban” or charred cedar siding and a roof made of chive and leeks, blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings.
As a traditional tea house, the accommodation also happens to serve as a tranquil sanctuary for contemplation. To put it simply, guests will be offered a chance to have a serene tea-drinking experience amid the rustling leaves.
The Three-Story Treehouse
Location: Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada
If you think tree houses are only single-story, then this tall tree house in British Columbia will prove you wrong! It is located in the Enchanted Forest amusement park near Revelstoke and is a popular attraction for children and adults alike.
This magnificent work of art was crafted by Doris Needham, a retired artist. She and her husband, Ernest Needham, created the park in 1960 as a retirement project.
This incredible treehouse is the highlight of the park. As its name suggests, this structure comprises three interconnected levels, each offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest area.
The treehouse incorporates sustainable materials and techniques, serving as an inspiration for eco-friendly design and responsible architecture. The main trail of the grand forest provides the magical setting for more than 350 jolly handcrafted folk art figurines, including Goldilocks and Snow White. There's also a castle, dungeons, a dragon, a giant cedar stump house, and plenty more surprises.
The Bird's Nest Treehouse
Location: Harads, Sweden
Wouldn’t it be unfair to end an article about treehouses without mentioning the one that looks like the very homes of nature’s feathered friends who love to build their nests on trees? Yeah, that's right! This treehouse is shaped like a giant bird's nest. The structure is made of wood and supported by four trees in the forest of Harads. It is covered in twigs, blending in perfectly with its surroundings, like a mother bird hiding her eggs from predators!
The Bird's Nest claims its place as one of five exceptional treehouse offerings at Treehotel.se. This marvel emerged from the creative mind of Swedish architect and interior designer Bertil Harström, who also founded Inredning Gruppen, a design firm renowned for crafting distinctive and sustainable furniture and interiors.
To embark on an adventure in The Bird's Nest, you need to first climb via ladder and hatch. Once inside, you can shut the entrance and relish the peace. The inside of the treehouse is snug yet inviting, with sufficient beds, living space, and a bathroom. Abundant windows invite fresh forest breezes and panoramic views.
The treehouse was originally designed for two adults and two children. But thanks to its flexible layout, this nest-like haven can gracefully accommodate four adults if necessary! Interesting right?