This Prefab Tree House Took Just 8 Days to Assemble

On the outskirts of a small Swiss town, Baumhaus Halden is a gable-roof tree house built for two close friends.

Text by
Published by

After years of envisioning their own arboreal abode, friends Helgard and Nina tapped design firm Baumraum to finally bring their imagined space to life. Acclaimed for their tree houses, the German–based team quickly got to work, carefully developing plans for what is now known as Baumhaus Halden.

Framing picturesque views of a small valley and nearby orchard, the tree house is comprised of a steel frame with four wooden support beams.  

Photo by Laura Fiorio

Shop the Look

Nature Framed: At Home in the Landscape

Twenty-five recent residential projects from around the United States take the concept of “green living” to the next architectural level. Going beyond the simple use of sustainable materials, these houses aredesigned to frame a very particular vision of nature for their owners that brings them as close as possible to nature while remaining indoors. Featured are dynamic designs by today's most energetic architectural firms including ARO, Tod Williams/Billie Tsien, Diller Scofidio + Renfro as well as up-and-coming smaller firms. Houses vary in scale, complexity, and site to give a broad survey of the potential of this cutting-edge approach.

Shop

Loll Designs Adirondack Chair

This modern update to the classic Adirondack chair from Loll Designs brings superior comfort to outdoor living whether relaxing in your backyard, poolside or deeply engaged in fireside chats with dear friends. Even better, a stainless-steel bottle opener is mounted under the arm to ensure bottled beverages are easy to open.

Shop

Nano House: Innovations for Small Living

Space is at a premium in growing cities. In the countryside, we want to preserve nature and the landscape. In impoverished parts of the world, the necessity for sustainable and economical shelter is stronger than ever. Lifestyles and daily routines are also changing. We live in an interconnected world in which digital communication, information, and entertainment are pervasive. Yet basic human needs remain constant: a roof over our heads and somewhere to cook, eat, and sleep. Increasingly, we look for ways to occupy our habitats more ecologically, flexibly, and efficiently.Digital design tools, sustainable materials, and new prefabrication technologies have led to an explosion in innovative ideas for designing domestic spaces, particularly those in tight surroundings. All the homes in Nano House are drawn from a broad array of climatic and environmental contexts, building methods, and spatial innovations.

Shop

Once the formal preparation was complete, the tree house was prefabricated in Germany before being assembled within days on a beautiful family property in the Swiss town of Halden. 

Measuring 150 square feet, the terrace is also comprised of a steel structure. The decking was made from untreated chestnut.   

Photo by Laura Fiorio

Stay up to Date on the Latest in Prefab Homes

From cozy cottages to large family houses, see how prefab continues to redefine the future of construction, building, and design.

Subscribe

Featuring a light-filled, 236-square-foot interior, the gabled retreat also has a shady terrace, which has been constructed around an oak tree. 

Oiled oak was used for the cladding of the walls, ceiling, floor, and built-in furniture. The gabled windows and expansive glazing allow natural light to flood throughout.

Photo by Laura Fiorio

Above the integrated pantry and bathroom is a lofted sleeping area. A small wood stove creates warmth and coziness on cold days.

Photo by Laura Fiorio

The wood-clad bathroom features a full shower and custom-made natural stone sink, which was created from a rock found at a neighboring river. 

Photo by Laura Fiorio

A look at the backside of the 236-square-foot house.

Photo by Laura Fiorio

Baumhaus Halden glows at night.

Photo by Laura Fiorio

Related Reading: A Modern Tree House in Belgium

Published

Last Updated

LikeComment

Prefab Homes