Treehouse Builders Share: How We Make the Magic Happen
“A custom treehouse is a place of wonder, a living reality built from the dreams of the new owner combined with the serenity and magic of the land itself,” says Erin Everett, World Treehouses co-owner.
How will we create your treehouse dream?
Although each treehouse we build is unique, the steps are similar.
Our planning phase includes site assessment and consultation. We get to know your land, and evaluate trees for size, type and health. We measure the trees and the distance between them to determine what type of structure each of the sites on your property might be calling forth. Says co-owner and lead builder Adam Laufer, “I don’t know what we’re going to be able to create until I get there, until I connect with trees and the landscape. So I’m more working with what the trees are offering me than coming up with my own ideas.”
We sit down with you and discuss the creative possibilities of the various sites available on your property. We pick our site, and we dream with you into how to craft your perfect stay-cation retreat in nature.
Next, a qualified consulting arborist visits to confirm health and longevity of the trees with their expertise and special testing. Together with you, we consider issues like power lines, property lines, zoning, and permits.
Next, we get into design. Considering how the treehouse will be used (and by whom), we rough out plans, make models, and consider specialty features as well. Sometimes, this even includes historical materials or architectural salvage pieces the client owns. We love to incorporate such extra-special features into our designs!
As the build commences we collect materials and handmade elements start to take shape. We set up the fundamentals while building in harness, hanging from your trees. We build suspension bridges and hard bridges or stairs, so that we now--and you later--can access your site. Also using rigging systems, the treehouse proper begins with a tree-based foundation that uses specialized bolts called “artificial limbs.” We frame the house (often integrating reclaimed wood and usually timbers and other elements from our clients' properties), craft stairs, and design, build, and install windows and doors. We add insulation, exterior sheathing, roofing and trim. Sometimes, electrical and plumbing are part of the picture.
Lastly we complete all of the finishing touches that make it your “home away from home,” such as custom-made railings, fixtures, handcrafted built-ins and sometimes handmade accent furniture, cabinets, and shelves, etc.
The trees and their patterns, shapes and movement inspire us, just like they do you! Bringing ideas to life is a thrill to us, but it’s collaboration with you, our client, and your vision and longing for a deeper connection to your living, beautiful land that makes each project worthwhile.
Have more questions about the process? Check out our FAQ page for more info. Or, tell us about your dream tree retreat if you are ready to begin the planning stage. We’d love to bring it to life!
World Treehouses of Asheville, NC’s skilled team can build you a one-of-a-kind treehouse or other tree project for living, gathering, playing, meditating, and connecting with nature. If you’d like to discuss a treehouse project on your land, contact us or click the button below. Or subscribe to our newsletter to inspire your treehouse dreaming.