It cannot be overstated how great it is to spend time up in trees. This experience is always at the forefront of the design process, and each custom project becomes a new happy place, forging memories to last a lifetime.
A swing is a truly magical addition to a backyard adventure. Wether a traditional design or a completely new idea we come up with together, let's figure out just the right thing for your Tree. Installation is my specialty, with the aim of keeping Trees safe, as well as the loads they carry.
Still life with snow…
Two-seater inspired by a railroad handcar
The Swurfer…
When there are no big, horizontal branches…
Tandem…
Fiesta time…
Eagle’s Nest Outfitters (ENO) Lounger…
Custom installation on existing deck…
Everybody deserves a TreeHouse. What happens though, when there are no trees of adequate size? A TreeFort is what happens! It’s great when you can tuck them in close to some small trees to make it feel like you are up really up there.
In the Spring of 2017 I had the great fortune to design and build several amenities at the Craggy Park neighborhood development. In the bottom of what was once a small lake, is a lovely clearing between the East and West sides of the community. Here it was decided to make a common area for all the neighbors to enjoy. My contributions were the bridge over the creek, the TreeHouse, the Tree Swing, several benches, and a tiny library. This was a splendid opportunity, and it will be great seeing the common area become more and more a part of the neighborhood.
Photos by Meg Reilley
This Tree-Fort was designed as a nexus for a series of trails, a small creek, and a giant, fallen Red Oak tree.
The fort is accessed from either end of the log, as well as from the staircase to the forest floor.
The main deck is supported by posts, leaving the main tree completely unfettered, while the landing and upper flight of stairs are anchored to the smaller, more vigorous tree with only two penetrations and lots of room to grow.
All the handrails and posts are carefully carved from Black Locust, and built to last!
The SuperFort is enjoyed by the two young girls that inhabit this magical forest, as well as their Mom & Dad.
Through my tenure at Bonsai Design Inc, I had the great fortune of working with the wonderful folks at Navitat on all of their installations. This course is located within the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville Tennessee. Building the central Treehouse involved collaborating with some of the best designers and craftspeople I have encountered. It was a great privilege to work alongside the dedicated folks at Bonsai, Adam Laufer (World Treehouses, Asheville), local artists, all the friendly folks at Ijams, and of course, my friends at Navitat. My first mission was to install the Tree anchors (Garnier Limbs) and the massive beams that support the decks. From there it was on to the staircase and ladder, both built from Black Locust that was sustainably harvested right there on site. The results of everyone's hard work are truly impressive. This course is surely an experience to remember.
From time to time I am asked to build things that are not Treehouses. Here are some examples that turned out fairly well.
Asian inspired arbor…
A good gate…
Tiny library at Craggy Park, inspired by JAG Green Builders…
Rolling installation for a Dogwood Alliance in Charlotte
A tree from “Where the Wild Things Are”
Once in a while a backyard adventure requires some furniture. I do my best…
Ten foot picnic table in Bald Cypress…
Forest pew, inspired by Aldo Leopold’s simple bench design…
Bench built on the stumps from which it was cut. Standing dead Black Cherry…
There certainly are a lot of bells and whistles, but here are just a few…
Climbing Wall Access…
Ladder/Stairs Hybrid…
Trap-door, with climbing rope. Extra secure!
Log Ladder Access…
Gotta have a milk crate dumbwaiter
Custom Built-ins
Zip-line exit
