Tree House

The small house is metaphorically a box of trees carved into the forest next to Squam Lake (“On Golden Pond”). About the forest, it was built from the forest, with the health of future forests in mind.

Per local zoning guidelines, the house is extremely compact to fit within the volume pre-existing house. Sliding partition walls, storage niches, and minimal mechanical spaces allow for flexibility and functionality. Overflow sleeping and storage are accommodated in the adjacent unconditioned Boat House.

The precertified Passive House envelope was prefabricated offsite using fiber-based products. Minimal steel is included both inside and out, and is left unpainted for future recycling. Growing within the oak interior, parametric digitally-fabricated trees define spaces and bring in light and ventilation. The living room up to the lake with a hydraulic actuated glass overhead door. A zero threshold lift/slide door connects the porch to the dining room, allowing the custom table to slide between the two spaces.

The Boat House - lying, growing, built alongside - is similarly about trees, and about boats, and about our relationship with the forests.