This project proposes a ‘treehouse for grown-ups’ on a steeply wooded slope near Mt. Charleston, Nevada.  The site, at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, sits in an alpine forest with views to several peaks, and borders public forest land.  The views and the desire to preserve as many of the existing trees as possible were key factors in the evolution of the design.

The three-level plan includes guest, exercise and support functions on the lower level, an open living level, and a master suite on the upper level open to the living spaces below.  An elevator connects the levels, and an artist’s studio is tucked into the hillside on the back of the site. The steeply-sloped site also creates an open underside for parking, and allows the building to lift off the ground, so that the living experience is in the trees, and oriented towards the mountain views.

This project was designed while Scott Allen was a Principal at Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects (OSKA).  Tim Bies, model photography.