While any kind of system in a tree or a cardboard box clubhouse will make a kid happy, it is an excellent bonus if this permanent structure is appealing for adults. Even better if it’s a location we prefer to escape from time to time.
With the most up-to-date in kiddo fort designs, children get the advantages of climbing walls, fire sticks and suspended bridges, while the grown-ups get to gaze out on small structures that seem like an architect’s design or a Mondrian cube. Who knows, after the kids grow up, possibly the adults will take these over as offices, potting sheds, studios or money-making rentals. Here’s a glimpse at 12 favorites.
Sometimes I think designing and building tree houses brings architects back for their woodshop times in design school. This fabulous fort resembles an architectural design to me, with thoughtful overhangs to mitigate direct sun and an assemblage of reclaimed wood. Additionally, it resembles a lot of pleasure with its ladders and ropes, which is the point after all.
Aitken and Associates
This floral fort wins the Best Use of an Old Tree Stump award. While I wouldn’t recommend this wisteria-draped getaway for anybody allergic to any type of stings, it may be a great area to perform scenes from Romeo and Juliet or even Cyrano de Bergerac.
Verner Architects
This slatted elevated fort is enjoyable to climb up to hang out in and descend from, while its modern architecture is not anywhere near the eyesore most tree houses are for Mom and Dad.
Verner Architects
Keith Willig Landscape Services, Inc..
This fort makes the most of the lawn’s change in altitude. From front one sees the tempting pleasure of the nets and fire rod, while around back there is a rod, a slide and a swing set.
Keith Willig Landscape Services, Inc..
Bjon Pankratz
The ordered yet ramshackle style of the two-story fort provides it architectural interest while still attracting children. Its mixture of materials is quite Austin, Texas, keepin’ it fashionable and weird.
Bjon Pankratz
When it’s lit up at night, you can observe how the home was built right around a tree.
This is another of those easy-on-the-eyes structures. The tall, Jenga-like tower has peekaboo slats in addition to its own deck and roof deck (complete with sail shade).
In addition a climbing wall alternative is up a balcony, in addition to the side.
Know more about home climbing walls
Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc
This cool little cube is certainly easy on a modern artwork fan’s eyes and may even function as a sculpture in the backyard.
Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc
It has a great playspace interior which carries a chalkboard wall, bookshelves, a window seat and even a peekaboo clear panel in the ground which may sit beneath a koi pond.
Know more about the playhouse
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
A suspended bridge is currently the most recent craze in garden forts and tree houses. Maybe it’s due to the rising popularity of Costa Rica as a vacation destination? I am not certain what brought this on, but it is in most of the cool backyards at this time.
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc..
Another attic inside gives a fort within a fort.
Alex Amend Photography
The whole family pitched in to build this wonderful tree home overlooking the San Francisco Bay. They used as many reclaimed and vintage items as you can, including stained glass windows.
Alex Amend Photography
Now the kids are all grown up, the household rents the appealing and cozy tree home to visitors (you can stay here too).
Know more about this tree home
Lobalzo Design Associates, Ltd
These homeowners built a playhouse which matches with their particular home, right down to the planter urns, for their toddler, Birdie.
Lobalzo Design Associates, Ltd
The family are big fans of Beatrix Potter and MacKenzie-Childs. The interiors are inspired by both and also are built to stand up to adults that are visiting for tea parties and story hour.
Watch more of Birdie’s nest
Grant Davis Thompson, INC..
This big garden in Brooklyn, New York, was crying out for a bug-free area for all ages to enjoy.
Grant Davis Thompson, INC..
New York architecture firm Palmer Thompson-Moss produced a 200-square-foot screened-in space complete with a ice chest, outlets for speakers, salvaged light, built-in benches and even a sandbox.
Know more about the playhouse
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd..
OK, my fellow nerds, we’re never going to top this one, however hard we try! It’s a fort for grown-ups … grown-ups who love J.R.R. Tolkien.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd..
The owner is a significant collector of J.R.R. Tolkien novels, manuscripts and artifacts, and The Hobbit House is the greatest spot for preserving and appreciating his collection.
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd..
The Hobbit House even has a rounded door crafted of Spanish cedar. Bam! Top that — I dare you!
Know more about The Hobbit House
More: The Most Beautiful Kids’ Tree House You’ll Ever See?