PROJECT NAME: Treehouse PROJECT LOCATION: Seattle, WA ...

PROJECT NAME: Treehouse PROJECT LOCATION: Seattle, WA SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1644 SF SYNOPSIS: In 1999, the owners discovered an “un-buildable” steep slope lot while searching the internet for cheap land in Seattle. At first attracted by the price, the owners quickly realized that the lot was adjacent to the park where their community p-patch was located. With a favorable soils report, understanding neighbors and naïve optimism, the vacant land seemed too good to pass up. The “Treehouse” was completed in 2009. The primary design objectives were three: 1) respond to and resolve site access and topography challenges to make the “un-buildable” lot buildable; 2) design a house that captured the qualities of living in the trees: framed views of the forest, filtered light from above, protected as in a bird nest; 3) design a cost effective and resource efficient building. Site challenges were the source of fundamental design solutions. The auger-cast pile and steel frame foundation system grew out of the necessity of using a crane to reach the site. The radius of the crane determined the extent of foundations, generated the form of the steel trusses, and ultimately preserved the existing topography. Space defines the experience of living in the trees. The design investigates how enclosure opens to / retreats from the forest. A central skylight is a hearth that brings light into the building and anchors overlapping volumes that frame views of forest and sky. Budget drove design decisions. Utilizing a compact 24’ x 30’, the house maximizes light and space rather than expensive materials and detailing. SIPS panels and BIBS insulation create an efficient envelope in conjunction with efficient active/passive systems, water conserving fixtures and future PV/Solar thermal capability. The operable skylight passively cools the house in the summer. The project was realized with a “materials in the room” mindset, with the hope of making good space economically and improving a small corner of the world.

View of Treehouse from Colman Park showing auger-caste piles, steel frame and wood framed house

View of entry from driveway

View of east deck and canopy. Exterior materials were chosen for economy and their expressive potential to evoke tree bark

Living room with views into the tree canopy, down to the lower deck and up to the skylight

The public spaces of the house--living / dining / kitchen and studio--occur on two levels organized around a central skylight

View of entry and central stair

The studio loft space takes advantage of the natural daylighting, views and central skylight

Kitchen and bathroom employ economical and salvaged materials and products to create livable spaces

Diagram depicting limitations of site and extent of cranes reach which determined overall footprint and sequence of construction