The Treehouse

Tucked in a quiet valley between two massive boulders, this original 1961, 2,000-square-foot midcentury modern “treehouse” was uniquely designed to span the rocks it rests between. The surrounding landscape, combined with the home’s split-level layout and walk-out basement, immediately inspired us to invest in its revival.
At its core, the home celebrates midcentury modern design, but it also features a striking influence of Japanese Zen architecture. The structure forms a perfect square, crowned with small, pagoda-like pyramidal clerestories that draw natural light into the heart of the home. The central living space not only glows with daylight but also radiates warmth from a sculptural, disk-like wrought iron hanging fireplace that distributes heat evenly throughout the interior.
The walk-out basement was originally designed for utility, including a small bedroom, bathroom, office, laundry, and a flexible-use area with access to both the front and back yards. The main level above housed the primary and secondary bedrooms, a shared bathroom, the kitchen, and the central living space.
A bridge serves as the home’s entrance, leading to an almost wraparound terrace—creating a tranquil transition between the natural setting and the sheltering overhang of the roof. This entry gesture, much like the rest of the design, reflects a sensitivity to the surrounding environment, a hallmark of Japanese architectural principles.
As part of our restoration, we focused on preserving the home’s original character while preparing it for its next chapter. We updated essential exterior elements, including the roof, siding (particularly at the lower level), protective finishes, insulation, and windows. Internally, we reconfigured the layout to prioritize a more open flow—establishing a central living space adjacent to the kitchen, and upgrading the primary suite with an ensuite bathroom.
The house’s original structure was refreshingly simple—four central steel lolly columns rising up to the clerestories, with the rest of the home framed in wood. One of these columns in the southwest corner featured the original staircase, which we preserved throughout the renovation.
The lower level was fully transformed to include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, a lounge, a home gym, and a utility room. We also modernized both front and back yard access points.
Throughout the renovation, we made it a priority to honor and highlight the home’s midcentury roots and Zen-inspired aesthetic. Carefully chosen materials and textures underscore these influences, bringing warmth and authenticity to every space.
The final result is a compelling blend of architecture and nature—an updated midcentury treehouse that not only retains its original spirit but is now ready to inspire the next generation.