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Treehouse Balaton

The clients, a German-Hungarian family from Munich, own a property at Lake Balaton, where they spend their holidays. The property, which has largely been left in a natural state, has two smallish houses and a few medium-sized oaks. Long before the treehouse project was on the family agenda, the trees were already a place of pilgrimage for the children. Even when reading a book, there was always a fork of the tree where one could get comfortable for a while. The idea in building a treehouse was to add and ›develop‹ the aspect of comfort when spending time in the trees. In addition, the clients wanted more sleeping space both for the children and for house guests. Since the budget was limited, the family was to help with the building, in order to make the construction more affordable. Baumraum was commissioned to design the treehouse and handle some of the construction management. The treehouse design is defined by its markedly vertical orientation – a tower-like structure on two levels made of larch.
The large treehouse terrace is on the first level. From here, one has access to the lower of the two rooms and, via a further staircase, one enters the ›garret‹ with its front terrace.

The rooms are built simply and robustly and can be used alternately as living or sleeping quarters. Different windows offer views of the crown of the tree, the neighbouring orchards and across Lake Balaton.

A narrow bridge connects the lower terraces with one of the adjacent oaks. This element’s entire purpose is to fulfil the children’s wish for adventure and climbing. The construction of the framework and the terraces was carried out by the family and a few friends, with expert guidance. Hearty Hungarian food and a campfire every evening turned this intensive week of work into a great experience for everybody involved.

Trees two oaks
Height first level: 3,2 m; second level: 5,8 m
Bearing structure Suspension by means of steel cables and textile straps on two oaks; part of the weight rests on two flexibly mounted stabiliser supports Interior area 11,60 qm on two levels
Terrace area 18,3 qm
Façade construction from inside to outside: 20 mm larch boarding, tongue and groove; fir framework 80/60 mm, filled with mineral insulation; wind foil; 20 mm air space; 20 mm weather boarding of untreated larch