Living out on a limb

As summer approaches, I’ve been thinking about spending time outdoors. I’ve posted about Free Spirit Spheres, the amazing tree homes Canadian carpenter Tom Chudleigh designs and builds, and it’s put me on the hunt for more treehouse ideas.

Twelve feet high and nine feet in diameter, this oval “bird’s nest” treehouse was created by Japanese designer Takashi Kobayashi. It’s reached with a circular staircase.

Nesty! Image found at freshome.com

German design cooperative Baumraum created this treetop dwelling with the help of a sturdy oak tree.

Modern design, traditional oak. Image found at freshome.com

Baumraum doesn’t always need the help of a tree to get its houses off the ground. Here they incorporate the “idea” of one, in a house that soars on stilts.

This might be a mobile home in a strong wind! Image found at imagesme.net

This is the Yellow Treehouse Restaurant in Aukland, New Zealand, designed and constructed by Pacific Environments Architects, Ltd. Pine and poplar beams are attached to a redwood tree to resemble the construction of a moth’s nest. The restaurant seats eighteen diners. I hope they serve bird’s nest soup!

With a view like this, who needs a menu? Image found at mtidry.com

Finally, here is what builder Horace Burgess claims is the biggest treehouse in the world! Located in Tennessee, it’s 97-feet tall and built around an 80-foot white oak tree. It has eleven floors and features a miniature indoor basketball court! But if the ball bounces out the window, you’re out of luck.

This treehouse is colossal! Image found at freshpics.com

You can't really "blend in" to the forest with this baby! Image found at freshpics.com