charred timber treehouse by victoria migliore is built amongst pine forest in rural france

architecture practice, atelier victoria migliore, has completed the design of a family house located amongst a pine forest in the french region of frehel. surrounded by trees, the concept behind the ‘treehouse’ was to create a cozy and intimate, yet contemporary and eco-friendly building that complements the natural surroundings. 

images © cyril folliot

the treehouse has been designed by victoria migliore as a light, elevated structure that is raised between 1 and 3 meters off the ground. due to the sandy terrain, the construction employed deep, screw pile foundations in order to elevate the house, while also ensuring the surrounding pine tree roots were not affected by the newly built form.

the treehouse is created as a rectangular volume, clad in blackened timber. the solid rectangular shape has then been cut into to form voids and windows, framing views of the forest and creating an effective relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments. an external patio is formed in the center of the floor plan. this space becomes a focal point of the house with the rest of the scheme organized around it. a wire mesh has also been woven into the void, creating an interesting place for users to lie back and enjoy the direct connection to nature.

the interior of the project is characterized by the use of wood and glazing. deep timber beams are left exposed in the ceiling, creating an honest architectural expression, while the generous amount of windows create a lightness within the blackened wood box and reveals the connection to nature. in essence, the treehouse plays between inside and outside, and combines the two by interweaving solid volumes and expanses of transparency, unveiling the surrounding pine forest.

project info:

project name: ‘treehouse’

project location: frehel, france

gross built area: 904ft2 (84m2)

completion year: 2018

architect: victoria migliore

engineering: ECTS

photography: cyril folliot

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom