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A Studio - A Tree House Phillip Lühl + Nina Maritz Architects

From the architect.

The idea for this tiny studio of about 35 usable square meters was born out of its spectacular setting. The incredibly dense garden is home to everything from porcupines to guinea fowl and slopes down steeply to the dry ravine beyond. The clients’ insistence that no single tree may be cut required an unconventional approach. The only buildable space available was a 3 x 3m storeroom between the garage and the living room of the existing house.

A double storey structure was proposed, transforming the 3 x 3m footprint of the former storeroom into a kitchenette and bathroom. The new first floor accommodates the actual studio, cantilevering over the existing veranda and thus exposing the entire north and east façades to the surrounding treetops. Fully protected from the harsh sunlight, both facades are fully glazed to maximize the feeling of a “tree house” - one of the client’s childhood fantasies. Yet for the balcony the client had wanted there was not enough space. Large sliding-folding windows now create an open corner, transforming the entire first floor into a “balcony” when needed.

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