Clara’s Tree House

Solingen, Germany

Photo © Jörg Hempel

Photo © s+s intern

Architects: schneider+schumacher

Location: Solingen, Germany
Year: 2009

Clara’s Tree House is not just any tree house - it is pocket-sized architecture for the garden to delight both adults and children. Everyone can join in the fun of putting together its sophisticated geometry using a set of tried-and-tested instructions. The form derives from a square 2 x 2 m mattress, which is then rotated by 45 degrees in order to fit in a small bench. The little wooden house with its green roof fits unobtrusively into any garden and is designed to be suspended safely and airily between branches. It is constructed using weather-proof bonded wood panels made out of 21 mm thick WISA Spruce, which has wonderful aesthetic qualities. Generous acrylic glazing reinforces the structure and allows sublime views over the surroundings. In both summer and winter the tree house beckons one to linger, play, or even spend the night there.