Upcycling projects can range from small and simple repurposed objects to stunning wonders just calling out to be explored. We’ve been on the lookout for upcycling curiosities and found some incredible treehouses which all repurpose or reclaim items to create a stunning environment. Here are a few of our favourites from across the globe:
Jerusalem - Shipping Container Two-Tree House
The main construct of this house is a shipping container; a ready-made, expansive structure lending itself to becoming a compact living space. With such beautiful timber rendering the upcycled roots of this structure are a well-kept secret to the naked eye. The two Jerusalem pine trees integrated into the design grow through the roof and decking of the treehouse. Although they were not part of the original design,
Golany Architects chose to incorporate them rather than remove them. They serve a purpose too, providing shade and sanctuary from the hot, Jerusalem sun.
Canada – Reclaimed Wood Treehouse
This treehouse is built from reclaimed wood from a neighbour’s storm-damaged barn, along with as many other salvaged and recycled elements designer Lynne Knowlton could find. She quips on her
design blog:
“Almost every nook and cranny is made from reclaimed, recycled, reused goods….. Even if some of my neighbours don’t know that I stole some old windows from their yard heap. P.S. Hello Brian. Yes, this is one of your windows. I thought it would be best to commit the sin first and ask for forgiveness later. I will repay you with apple pie.”
Our favourite touches are the reclaimed slide and recycled swing, making the treehouse a fun place to be. This beautiful treehouse is a magical escape for the kids and adults alike.
France – Pallet Beach House
Designers
Ethan Hayes-Chute and
Jean-Paul Lespagnard collaborated to create the “(Tree) House of Hyères” for the Hyères International Festival of Fashion & Photography at Villa Noailles. The house is constructed from pallets and scrap wood, and decorated with found objects, such as perfume bottles, old fashion magazines and even Princess Diana collectables. The house is built around a large tree which continues to grow, with its branches stretching above the roof of the house.
Designer Jean-Paul Lespagnard’s explanation of the tree house is quoted as follows:
“I once saw a witch whilst walking in the streets of Brussels. She gave me seeds and told me I would have to dig if I wanted to succeed in fashion. So I planted them in various places about town, and now they've grown into human trees.”
It is said one of these ‘human trees’ can be seen knitting upstairs in the house…
USA – Upcycled Treehouse with Picture Frame Ceiling
Designer Dan Phillips focuses on using excess and recyclable materials to provide low-income housing and reduce landfill. His upcycled treehouse is a creative studio space, and he makes sure it is strikingly beautiful and unique by using discarded frame samples to cover the ceiling, creating mosaic mirrors and flooring, and using Pyrex plates to create circular windows. He even has some useful information guides on how to create a papier-mâché, wine cork or tile shard floor amongst other handy tips over on the
Phoenix Commotion website.
USA – World’s Tallest Treehouse
Minister Horace Burgess spent over 10 years building the world’s tallest treehouse using salvaged scraps of wood. A couple of years after beginning the project Horace ran out of timber and looked to his faith for a solution:
“Then I turned my life over to God, and the spirit of God said, 'If you build Me a tree house, I'll never let you run out of material.'”
And so began Horace’s use of reclaimed wood. The finished treehouse spreads seven large trees and covers around 10,000 square feet. A truly visionary project, it was described as one of the man-made wonders of America by
web urbanist and it even has
its own entry in Wikipedia.
