Nature’s Penthouses
Extraordinary tree houses that bring new meaning to elevated living
Above the forest floor, a world of wonder awaits. Tree houses have always captured our imaginations—symbols of escapism, endless youthful summers, and a deep-rooted connection to nature. But today, they’ve evolved beyond childhood hideaways into architectural marvels that blend sustainability and cutting-edge design.
So, climb up and explore 62 elaborate tree houses from around the world, each with its own fascinating story. With no single blueprint, they take many forms—some are anchored within towering branches, others mimic the shapes of trees, some shelter in the foliage without touching a trunk. But all have the same goal: to bring us closer to nature.
This beautiful collection of self-built structures and masterpieces by world-renowned architects such as Snøhetta and BIG is divided into five chapters. Discover Playful Tree Houses, where kids can push the boundaries of adventure; Hideaway Tree Houses that offer secluded retreats for writers, dreamers, and solitude-seekers; Observation Tree Houses, giving a front-row seat to the wonders of the wild; Vacation Tree Houses, where nest-level luxury makes for unforgettable escapes; and Residential Tree Houses that prove sustainable arboreal living isn’t just for the birds.
Whether they were designed for play, relaxation, or full-time habitation, these amazing houses fulfill a deep human longing for authenticity, tranquility, and a new perspective—challenging convention and fashioning a renewed relationship with the environment. They remind us that, while our roots must remain in the earth, our imaginations should always reach for the sky.
The illustrator
Marie-Laure Cruschi is a French illustrator who founded Cruschiform in Paris in 2007. In her work, she combines art, graphic design, illustration, and typography. Her sensitivity to color and simple modular forms allows her to create playful and poetic illustrations. Marie-Laure Cruschi has long worked on cultural and fashion magazines and children’s books, as well as with music and luxury brands.
The contributing author
Florian Siebeck is a writer and journalist based in Frankfurt am Main. Author of books on design and architecture, he was, amongst others, in charge of the topics culture and style at FAZ.net., editor at Architectural Digest, and has written extensively on architecture, design, style, and travel for magazines such as Monocle and Vogue.
The editor and art director
Benjamin Wolbergs is a Berlin-based graphic designer, art director, and editor. With a focus on photography, art, and architecture, he specializes in book design and gives form to numerous publications for the cultural sector. As an editor Benjamin Wolbergs combines content with form, his book New Queer Photography was shortlisted for the national photography award in Germany.
