Half-Tree House

This 34 m2 cabin is located in the Sullivan district of New York, in the middle of the forest, on a steep, isolated lot with no access by car and running water or electricity.

From the beginning, the project aimed to design a home that could be created by amateur builders and take into account a limited construction budget ($ 20,000).

The topography presented a difficult challenge. In order to minimize work on the site and eliminate the need for concrete slabs, retaining walls ... the structure has been raised above the ground and is supported by trees. Three pivoting steel and double-insulated glass doors were manufactured off-site and installed.

The pine wooden boards that dress inside and outside come from the property's trees. To minimize maintenance and withstand long, wet winters, the exterior panels are treated with pine tar, a traditional Scandinavian technique. The interior walls and ceiling are painted and the floor is protected by transparent putty. The space is heated with a wood stove and the energy, if necessary, is taken from a portable generator.