When someone says getaway, I visualize sand beaches, warm breezes, swaying palm trees, sun kisses, and cold beverages.  However, this getaway is right outside your door and houses none of the aforementioned.  Designed by Chris Kempel, of Rockefeller Partners Architects, this “just out your backdoor” get away was conceptualized after a 40 year old pine tree took a fall.  This was not your average pine tree (if there is one), rather, after falling, the tree rejuvenated itself and the owner paid tribute its hardiness by integrating it into a 172-square-foot office outside his residence.  This small “tree house” serves as an office space, guest area, getaway, gallery and refuge from the world.

Despite not housing sand beaches and swaying palm trees the getaway does house a daybed, sink, toilet, small refrigerator (for those cold beverages), fireplace, microwave, and outdoor shower….perfect for escaping to for a few hours or days.  The design of the tree house is integral to its natural start.  The fallen tree is paid homage to by a portal carved into the walnut flooring, giving a view of the tree lying below.  The butterfly roof is atop a row of clerestory windows that surround the perimeter of the house giving a lofty and dreamy quality to the space, both from an exterior view as well as interior. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors provide copious amounts of natural light and the operable ones ample ventilation, creating a truly nature inspired getaway.

The materials inside are predominantly walnut and mahogany.  I think pine should have had more of an influence personally, seeing as the fallen solider was a pine.  The front steps were designed to mimic or evoke the idea of a tree house ladder to tie in the overall theme.  It is these steps that house the outdoor shower, which I am told and through the photos is truly a private place!

I think this is a great way to pay honor to such a resilient tree while creating a wonderful creative space to live in, lie in, dream in and smile in.

Photo Courtesy: Dwell Magazine