For many people, having their own treehouse in the garden is a childhood dream. Experienced hobby craftsmen can build the small versions for children to play with themselves. People can actually live in the large versions, but most are only used as a holiday home or as a retreat in their own garden. But what is needed to build a large tree house? How can such a project be realized?
Although this works for the gigantic giant trees in the Amazon or Canada, such large, stable trees cannot be found in most private gardens. They are only sufficient to support a children's playhouse. Typically, for large houses, a supporting structure is built to stabilize and support the house.
The growth of the trees is more important than the height: A tree should have a mature crown that surrounds the house with sufficient foliage. Before construction, a specialist is commissioned to check the load-bearing capacity and stability of the tree.
The stability and size of the trees are crucial for planning. For large houses, a structural engineer must first be consulted for advice. It is also advisable to have the house designed by an expert architect. Construction at lofty heights may also require professionals who specialize in assembly at extreme heights. (seePigo extreme technique).
In most federal states you don't need a building permit for a small children's tree house, but you may need a permit for a large house in your own garden. First check with your local building authority; in some federal states you need a building permit even if you are using it exclusively for private purposes.
The use of sustainable, ecologically friendly wood is important to most owners. Light, weather-resistant and stable woods are used to build houses. The most popular types of wood are Douglas fir and larch. Oak wood is more durable and stable, but is also correspondingly more expensive. Stainless steel profiles are usually used for the substructure.
The costs depend entirely on the size and features. A small house for the children can be built for around 2000 euros. A slightly larger house, in which adults can also stay overnight in summer, can be built for around 5,000 euros. Larger projects are correspondingly more expensive, especially if the house also needs to be glazed and thermally insulated so thatall year round as a guest house, holiday home or even residential building can be used. Such houses cost at least around 35,000 euros, but of course there are no upper limits.
