The house on the tree – from a child’s dream to reality

Having your own tree house is at the top of the wish list of many children, because it is exciting, adventurous and gives free rein to the imagination to have fun. But even adults often dream of building a small house on a tree in their own garden. As a retreat for romantic hours, for meditating, reading, painting or simply relaxing high between the branches and leaves of the tree on warm Sunday afternoons, far away from the turbulent everyday life. One thing is certain – the tree house has a special charm regardless of age and gender!

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Natural materials
The construction of a tree house differs considerably from that of other structures and requires a deeper understanding of the building materials and materials used. The most widely used material is wood because of its excellent properties such as weather resistance and coloring. The surfaces inside and outside are often left untreated. In other cases they are oiled, waxed or painted. The insulation of the tree house is also made of natural materials such as wood fiber boards or coconut fibers. The modern techniques of today ensure a high stability of the tree house, without putting too much strain or injuring the tree. In order to show the greatest possible consideration for nature and the environment, screws and bolts are dispensed with and tensioned rope constructions and textile straps are used instead. This construction allows the tree freedom of movement and further, free growth without compulsion or pressure.
Tree houses are built in different sizes and designs – horizontally and vertically aligned, on several levels and at different heights.

Which trees are suitable for building a tree house?
A tree house can be constructed for almost any tree. The type, stability and health of the trees have an impact on the size and height of the tree house. Two or more trees can be used to have more room to maneuver. The insufficient strength of the trees can be compensated for with additional supports, which under certain circumstances even offer several design options. However, if there are no suitable trees available for the desired tree house project, almost every conceivable size and shape can be realized with a construction completely supported on the ground.
Well-suited trees are, for example, oak, linden, ash, beech, chestnut and full-grown fruit trees, but also larger conifers such as cedars, pines and firs.

The construction of tree houses
There are around 20 companies around the world that have specifically specialized in building tree houses. Their offer ranges from simple tree terraces and bright studios to exclusive tree suites with extensive interior design in the park of renowned hotels.
These really exclusive tree houses are built from solid wood inside and out and have all the facilities like a modern hotel room. Extensive glazing, skylights, a small bathroom with toilet, heating facilities and beds are available. In the interior of some of these tree houses even a television, stereo system, minibar and telephone connection are integrated.
The construction of tree houses is planned individually by companies that specialize in it and adapted to local conditions. The costs vary greatly from tree house to tree house. Smaller constructions can be realized from 5,000 euros. For the larger, the price range is between 18,000 and 150,000 euros. In this price everything is of course included – from planning the building project to materials and assembly to the interior of the tree house. The production time may be between 3 and 7 months.
Here is a small list of German companies that are realizing unique projects in the branches of trees: Baumbaron, Baumraum and Baumhaus-lodge.
Building law for tree houses
Sometimes you have to get approval for a tree house, because the building law differs from state to state. In most cases, self-built tree houses in your own garden or property do not need a building permit because they are not permanently inhabited. The so-called developments, the fireplace and the sanitary facilities need a permit. It would be best to inquire with the responsible building authority before starting construction. Tenants are not allowed to build a tree house on the rented property.

Holidays in the treetops
Something like that belongs to trendy glamping and is a new and modern way to go on vacation. The best thing about it is that you can spend relaxing days in the middle of the great outdoors in an extraordinary and exciting atmosphere. There are now many tree house hotels around the world that offer excellent opportunities for a different kind of vacation. You can find a good overview here. If you are planning to build a tree house yourself, then let our picture gallery inspire you!