Thanks to Artistree Home, a singular architectural treasure named Spyglass by Hometree has established itself in the lush embrace of Sonoma County, California. Situated on an expansive 11-acre forested site in Occidental, this 300-square-foot home embodies inventive architecture while blending in with its natural environment. The project, which was finished in 2023, is evidence of Will Beilharz and his team’s inventive vision. They found inspiration in the ordinary childhood pleasure of looking through a leaf tube.
Spyglass’s construction is cleverly centered around a massive redwood tree, which rises and anchors the design repeatedly. Perched twenty-five feet above the forest floor, the treehouse is supported by thin steel pillars that reduce its environmental impact. With dynamic incisions at either end of the cylindrical shape that mimic the movement of a folded leaf, its distinctive vaulted design pays homage to the organic shapes seen in nature.
Rust-textured metal diamond shingles, carefully selected to mimic redwood bark, cover the outside, allowing the building to blend in with the surrounding forest. This sleek dwelling has a walk-through, a small but functional kitchenette, and a bathroom with tiny round tiles that mimic the treehouse’s curve. The bedroom, the center of this home, invites leisure among the treetops with its opening onto a back terrace furnished with a cedar hot tub.
The treehouse’s inside is a work of woodworking genius. The interior is covered in tongue-and-groove paneling that simulates walking through a hollowed-out log. The unbroken view of the forest and the central tree that pierces through the terrace is provided by the totally glazed back wall, which attracts the eye due to its consistent design.
Beilharz underlined the value of whimsicality and nature in design, pointing out the space’s simultaneous invocation of peace and excitement. Spyglass is notable for its sustainable features, which include triple-layer insulation, environmentally friendly wood cladding, and a heat pump water heater that demonstrate the company’s dedication to environmental care.
Spyglass is an example of sustainable, repeatable architecture, not just an opulent hideaway. It’s a prefab unit that can be customized to fit different tree arrangements and landscapes, according to Artistree Home. This strategy makes sure that the happiness and learning that come with staying in a treehouse may be distributed widely, encouraging a closer bond with the natural world.
This project, which is reminiscent of previous ambitious treehouse projects like BIG’s birdhouse-covered hotel in Swedish Lapland, serves as a symbol of creative design and ecological living. Nevertheless, Spyglass commands a distinct spot in the architectural landscape, promising a fusion of extravagance, inventiveness, and environmental awareness that invites guests to rediscover the wonders of nature. Remember to check out these 15 Stunning Tree Houses Throughout the World as well.
