Yellow Treehouse

At the edge of the woods just north of Auckland, New Zealand, by a meandering stream and above an open meadow, the Yellow Treehouse wraps around the trunk of a Redwood tree.  Its form draws from many concepts: a chrysalis or cocoon, a garlic clove hung out to dry, a tree fort, a sea shell, and a lantern that illuminates the woodlands.  A private venue designed by Pacific Environments Architects, it measures 10 meters wide and 12 meters high, comfortably seating 18, plus wait staff.  A 60-meter wooden walkway weaves from the ground into the air to meet it, and opposite the entrance, a ‘Juliet’ deck looks down into the valley.  Made of pine, poplar, and redwood, its exterior is comprised of vertical fins that mimic the verticality of the redwoods, helping it to blend into its setting.