Between the branches: treehouses in Berlin
Kids aren't the only one who seek retreat behind the leaves. Whether for hiding, living or dreaming, these structures in Berlin and the surrounding area make even the most grown-up adults want a treehouse of their own.
UFO with a view
In Berlin a new trend is under construction - the treehouse. But it doesn't always need to be made out of wood. From architect Andreas Wenning, the "Spree curve," or "Spreebogen" as it is known in German, is a cabin clad in stainless steel plates. At first glance it looks more like a UFO on stilts.
Perched above the Spree
The highlight: The treehouse "Spreebogen" is situated on a small harbor on the River Spree in Berlin. Its residents enjoy not only the view of the trees but also the waterway. Vice versa, the tree house proves to water lovers on passing boats that even landlubbers can enjoy the smallest of spaces - at least when the design and the interior are in tune.
In the middle of it all
This treehouse, which could pass for a light installation at night, opened in 2012 on Berlin's Fischerinsel. Three platforms are connected with a staircase winding around a tree. Despite the encircling structure, the tree still has room to grow. Architects Florian Kneer and Bernita Le Gerrette (LEGEER Architekten) were inspired by children's drawings at a workshop.
One house, many helpers
At 5,000 Euro ($6,700), its budget was small, which meant lots of volunteers were needed to make the three-storey treehouse a reality. Because the structure is found in the garden of the multi-generation KREATIVHAUS in Berlin, there was no shortage of helpers. Participants and visitors alike can see that architecture is possible even on a small scale.
A place for everyone at the park
This treehouse in Volkspark Potsdam was not constructed for private use only. The instructions Emanuel Stahlmann and his team received were to make a freely accessible treehouse for all park visitors to enjoy. In this way it's not just a playground for children, but a space for relaxation in the middle of the trees. The various openings draw visitors' attention to the outside.
Intentionally wobbly
Steel cables suspend this treehouse between two oaks. This grants the structure a slight mobility, which offers the feeling of being exposed to the forces of nature while also trusting the strength of the trees. For builders and engineers, the real challenge was striking a balance between this floating feeling while ensuring everything was structurally sound.
The house of 80 triangles
This globe in Berlin's Kreuzberg district measures four meters wide, yet still provides 12 square meters of living space. It hangs about three meters above the ground in three trees. From the ball, three steps lead out the front door and onto a terrace below. It was a project of love, constructed with 80 triangles. Enjoying the slight sway is a must.
A house within a house
For now this treehouse is only a 3D model conceived by the residents and artists of Berlin's Wedding district. The idea is to build a treehouse onto a large pillar in the middle of a 140-square-meter room with high ceilings. Aesthetically the house should convey a mix of Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright, "Lord of the Rings," "Avatar," and a connection to nature.
No man's land
Even when Berlin was split into East and West, it was still a hot spot for creative tree houses. The "treehouse on the wall" is built around two trees and a garden shed. When Turkish-born Osman Kalin built the structure in 1983, it was directly on the border of No Man's Land. Kalin got lucky and was allowed to keep the structure, which made him a pioneer with many imitators today.