The Tree House (Encounter 1)

Folk architecture tradition is in many ways seen as Igloos, Teepees, Sweat Houses, and perhaps many others that have not been brought to my attention. I asked myself, is a tree house apart of this genre? Tree houses are built without the involvement of professional architects or builders therefore they are granted admission into the genre of traditional folk architecture. Of course there are those tree houses that are built with plumbing, electricity and stand out as possibly another house on the block; those are not the kind of tree houses elected into the folk tradition. While researching the history of tree houses I found some interesting historical information about the use, need and creation behind the tree house.

For many of us, a tree house was something we built in the back yard as a means to hide from our parents, other kids and allow our imagination to run wild. When I was ten I had two best friends who happen to be sisters. The three of us built a tree house with the help of their father in their backyard. We painted the tree house blue like water, with sharks on the sides, to keep away the enemies. Inside we had two windows, one on each side, carpet, a chair and just enough space on the floor that we could all sleep in our sleeping bags, which we did often. Their father would let us run an extension cord out to the tree house so we could have a lamp for light at night. Building the tree house was an experience I will never forget. Their father actually video taped us while we were building. We were so proud of the hard work that we put into the tree house. We still talk about the time when the three of us built a tree house and how funny we look on the video.

For us, the tree house was a place for us to play, but for others long ago it was a safe house, for “mankind has long been dependent on trees for shelter; food, fuel and spiritual links are equally deep-rooted” (Harris). Tree houses were built and used as homes by the “people in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia” (Pearson). As years have passed many different tree houses have evolved and have become quite famous; The Swiss Family Robinson with their shipwreck tree house, the Ewoks had a place to call home as they lived in tree houses. Today tree houses are making a comeback, but not exactly in the same style as what we remember them to be. I myself have spent the weekend in a tree house hotel. We had to climb stairs to reach the entrance and inside was the actual tree itself, bark and all. The tree sprang up through the roof top and had a type of plastic surrounding the opening. It was impressive to say the least and quite beautiful. Aside from the more elaborate of today’s tree houses, the tradition of tree house building and the feelings associated with simply being inside a tree house will live on regardless of the size and shape.

This post is my response to the Architecture Encounter Project.


Harris, John. “TreeHouse Company.” Treehouses Past & Present. Tree House History. 2003-2005. 15 Sept. 2007 <http://www.treehouse-company.com/history.htm>.

Pearson, David. “Mother Earth News.” Home Sweet Treehouse. August/September 2001. 15 Sept. 2007 <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-and-Environment/2001-08-01/Home-Sweet-Treehouse.aspx>.