These Genre-Busting Tree Houses From Germany Start at $6K
German firm Baumraum has built over 50 prefabricated tree houses around the world, with designs available from $6,000.
When it comes to innovative tree house design, Baumraum knows no limits. Founded in 2003 by Andreas Wenning, the German design firm has built over 50 perched spaces across the world, continuously offering clients of all ages an intimate and adventurous way to connect with nature.
Located near Berlin, Germany, Copper Cube is a tree house with an integrated bathroom, minibar, and large bed.
Photo by Markus Bollen
"A tree house can, according to your wishes and possibilities, be planned and realized by us in different sizes, designs, and equipment," explains Wenning. "Most of our tree houses are small units, comparable to the size of a small motorhome."
Surrounded by tall bamboo, the Frog Prince tree house floats above a shallow pond in a private garden in Münster, Germany.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
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Each tree house built by the firm is entirely custom-designed, taking the site plan into account, as well as the wellbeing of the trees. To reduce impact at the site, the team prefabricates many of the houses, arranging them so that the surrounding trees’ roots wouldn’t be harmed.
"Our main focus in planning and construction is the careful handling of the trees and the surrounding natural space," notes Wenning. "With our innovative constructions and materials used, we take utmost account of nature and the environment."
"The interior and exterior surfaces can be left untreated or oiled, waxed, varnished, or painted," says Wenning. "There is a wide range of ecologically harmless products available. The interiors can also consist of natural insulation materials such as wood fiber boards, sheep wool mats, or coconut fibers."
Photo by Markus Bollen
"When fixing the tree houses, we do so without screws and bolts and instead use guyed rope constructions," explains Wenning. "Thanks to steel cables, the tree house construction can be erected quickly and adjusted well."
A peek at the reflective tree house known as Black Beauty.
Photo by Andreas Wenning
While the design firm does not have a price list in the usual sense, as all tree houses are individually planned and adapted to local conditions, the prices of the houses constructed so far range between €18,000 to €150,000 (approximately $20,000 to $167,000), which includes planning, materials, installation, and interior work. However, smaller, non-insulated constructions can be built starting from €5,000 (approximately $6,000).
"The realization period for a tree-room project is usually between three and seven months, depending on the location of the property and our capacity utilization," Wenning explains.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
Below, we've rounded up several of our favorite designs by Baumraum. Ranging in size, style, and purpose, these incredible perched spaces are guaranteed to ignite your imagination.
1. Auswahl Bachstelze
Nestled in a small Austrian community between Salzburg and Linz, this charming tree house rests primarily on eight asymmetrical and inclined oak support beams. With an oxidized Cor-Ten steel facade, the perched cabin yields a unique sculptural effect due to its sloping surfaces. Inside, a large picture window frames beautiful views of the trees and meadow beyond.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
After various design studies, the team created plans to connect the house to a long terrace. Perched above a small brook, the slender deck offers a calm setting to connect with nature.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
A stately group of hemlock trees on the shore of two ponds provided the perfect site for this enchanting, two-story structure located in Uslar, Germany. Designed for a client's young son, the tree house features a rounded steel facade with flanking wooden arches built from laminated wood.
Photo by Markus Bollen
The wooden terrace covers 118 square feet, offering plenty of space for visitors to watch the wildlife roaming throughout the area. Featuring a curved roof window, the house's upper room provides a spectacular space to stargaze at night.
Photo by Markus Bollen
Dubbed the Nut Room, this darling tree house sited in the backyard of a terraced property in Germany was inspired by the old yet vital oak tree that anchors the connected terrace. In order to expose the host tree to as little strain as possible, the team built an independent static system for the structure. The house was prefabricated off-site before being lifted over the main residence with a large mobile crane during the assembly.
Photo by Dirk Vogel
Due to the almost random arrangement of the house's columns, the small structure appears a bit like a large insect on the forest floor. Inside, the rounded shape and restrained choice of materials creates a nest-like environment. The vaulted roof skylight invites plenty of natural light inside, while also framing a mesmerizing view of the walnut tree.
Photo by Dirk Vogel
4. Black Beauty
Perched on the German island of Usedom, this contemporary tree house is embedded in its context through a sleek, black-reflecting facade and offers a clear view of the surrounding lush landscape. The tree house rests independently on eight sloping steel columns, while the large terrace (which features an outdoor shower) is supported by rope suspensions.
Photo by Andreas Wenning
Blackened stainless steel was used for the house's facade. Depending on the viewing angle, the tree house reflects its surroundings in different shades of black, giving the perched space an almost mystical character. The interior is equipped with upholstered sofas, electricity, heating, and a sink. The expansive window surfaces on the wall and ceiling illuminate the space with natural light, while also providing striking views of the landscape.
Photo by Andreas Wenning
5. St. Martin
Known as St. Martin, this colorful tree house serves as a habitat and development center for children and adolescents with cognitive impairments. By collaborating with a garden architect, the team developed a spectrum of colors for the playful, patchwork-like facade.
Photo by Christian Habel
The interior was created as an open space, featuring ample storage areas and lots of pillows. The team placed several of the windows in unusual positions to provide inspiring views of the garden and covered terrace.
Photo by Christian Habel
This fascinating tree house was created for the World of Living show park, a space dedicated to displaying contemporary prefab home design. Located in Rheinau-Linx, Germany, the tree house rests on seven slanted larch support beams and features a round, futuristic-like shape.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
The World of Living Auswahl is open to the public for viewing and has been designed to accommodate large crowds. Inside, roll containers and drawers integrated in the surrounding seating surfaces can be used as tables for meetings, as well as additional storage space.
Photo by Alasdair Jardine
Framing picturesque views of a small valley and nearby orchard, Baumhaus Halden is comprised of a steel frame with four wooden support beams.
Photo by Laura Fiorio
Oiled oak was used for the cladding of the walls, ceiling, floor, and built-in furniture. The gabled windows and expansive glazing allow natural light to flood throughout.
Photo by Laura Fiorio
See more of the company's incredible designs on the Baumraum website.
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