Project: Tāne Mahuta Treehouse
Date: 2023
Location: Whataroa, NZ
Scale: Small
In Māori mythology, Tāne Mahuta is the god of the forest and all that lives within it. According to the myths Tāne managed to break the embrace of his parents, Papatūānuku (Earth) and Ranginui (Sky), giving mankind a place to exist.
We tried to imagine an abode for Tāne, deep in the New Zealand wilderness, within the Wahataroa Valley known for its spellbinding allure. Opportunity presented itself amongst the canopy of the grand Totara trees, somewhere between earth and sky. Close enough to a hiker’s trail to witness the product of his works but remote enough to not be pestered by the disarray of civilization.
The treehouse consists of a small hut with a hearth, a separate bathroom with a sauna cabin, and a terrace in between for leisurely activities. Totaling to 27.7 square meters. The main living space is optimized via reconfigurable furniture and provides ample space for a comfortable stay throughout the year. The surrounding wooden elements protect the treehouse from wind and direct sun exposure while creating a flowing and organic aesthetic. The smooth curves and mild tones of the timber used also help camouflage the treehouse to its environment making it a true retreat.