Treehouse / RPA

Dec 2009

Uploaded by Nico Saieh — Filed under: Houses ,Selected , California, Los Angeles, RPA, Steel, USA, Wood

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Architects: RPA

Location: Nichols Canyon, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Project Area: 16 sqm

Project Year: 2009

Photographs: Eric Staudenmaier

Located on a high eastern-facing ridge with views downtown Los Angeles in the distance, the Banyan Treehouse is a diminutive art studio and sanctuary. Rockefeller Partners was originally commissioned by this client to design a house that was ultimately never realized. Working together once again on this project, architect and client were able to revisit some of the design elements that they had originally explored in a different context, such as the striking butterfly roofline.

west elevation

Perched atop steel pylons that abstractly emulate natural branches, the project is not literally a tree house but rather a modern interpretation of one. The design pays the ultimate respect to the pre-existing tree, literally shaping itself around the contours of the trunk. Inside, a single glass cut out in the floor reconnects the tree house inhabitant to the tree itself, a respectful and subtle nod to Mother Nature.

Every surface of the tree house is appointed with wood, creating an unparalleled level of warmth. The exterior is clad with high-grade cedar while the underside of the eaves and the structure itself are clad with rich palope. Inside, the walnut floors are complemented by walnut paneled walls.

Serving both as a studio and as guest accommodation, the tree house is completely self-sufficient with a water closet, fireplace, refrigerator, daybed, and television. Outside, a quick walk down the stairs leads to a protected and private outdoor shower.

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: © Eric Staudenmaier

: Treehouse Plan

: West elevation

Cite:
Saieh , Nico . "Treehouse / RPA" 11 Dec 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 07 Feb 2012. <http://www.archdaily.com/43355>

Comments (28)
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spass says:

This is a very successful design overall. However, while I appreciate the functionality of the small space, I think design is quite complicated for such a small structure. Simpler would have been better. Inspirational!

# December 12, 2009 at 02:58

Pierre Batbatian says:

im speachless,,,,

# December 12, 2009 at 03:04

... says:

perfect for hermits

# December 12, 2009 at 07:02

Dariusz says:

simple and beautiful. love the outdoor showa!! great concrete work

# December 12, 2009 at 08:35

zga says:

lovely

# December 12, 2009 at 14:35

moop says:

i would love to live in this

# December 12, 2009 at 23:37

Jeff L. J. says:

My Christmas Present to myself for working so hard this past year. http://bit.ly/5EGcUd

# December 17, 2009 at 15:48

Miloš Milovanović says:

Reading: "Treehouse / RPA | ArchDaily"( http://twitthis.com/stupq6 )

# December 30, 2009 at 14:32

Matt says:

very well done

# January 5, 2010 at 21:18

John Felts says:

Well done, Rocky!

# January 28, 2010 at 21:25

Jeff and Sheryl Thue says:

Great work guys. Almost as cool as the house you did for us!

# January 28, 2010 at 21:39

Tom Preis says:

Hey! Hey! Hey!

# January 29, 2010 at 10:57

Shon says:

Out’n'About.

# January 28, 2010 at 23:07

Tom Weir says:

Fascinating design. Reminds me of my tree house days way back when…

# January 29, 2010 at 09:54

Douglas Gordon says:

Wow! You built it! Wonderfully askew structural system. Gorgeous wood- and concrete work. Beautiful detailing. (At one time, wasn’t the flue to actually run up inside a “post”?) What a wonderful spot in which to escape. Well done guys!

# January 29, 2010 at 10:02

PEDRO BALINT says: