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Bâlvedere

This treehouse was built amidst four fir trees in a private garden in a suburb of Basel, Switzerland. The client wished to have a point on his property which enabled him to see the city of Basel and the distant mountains of France. After climbing up three staircases and two landings, one arrives at the upper terrace and the cabin 12 meters above the ground. From this terrace, the overwhelming sensation of height is offset by a comforting veil of branches. The cabin is shaped like a cube and covered with a free pattern of copper sheets. Later on, it will lose its bright metallic shine and become almost invisible among the trees. The use of oil-treated oak in the interior and grey wool felt gives the room a warm atmosphere. A wide glass wall opens to the terrace, while windows in the walls and ceiling give views to all directions. All levels will have a soft illumination in the darkness.


Trees between four firs    
Height lower terrace: 4 m; middle terrace: 8 m; upper terrace and treehouse: 12 m
Bearing structure hanging structure on steel cables which are connected to the trees with either fabric belts or stainless steel bolts
Interior area 6.2 qm
Terrace area 8.4 qm
Façade construction from inside to outside: 20 mm oak boarding, tinted and waxed; 20 mm plywood, 60 mm insulation; 20 mm air space; 20 mm plywood, copper
Roof rubber roofing felt