Treehouse living 50 innovative designs

Laurens, founder of a company called La Cabane Perchee (the Treehouse Aloft); Dufour, a watercolorist who designs and draws tree houses; and Andre, a carpenter who builds them, present in superb color photographs 50 tree houses they have constructed in France, Switzerland and Spain. Situated on estates and in gardens, backyards, forests and playgrounds, these are children's playhouses, writers' retreats, guesthouses (complete with water and electricity) and a simple platform for a bed for those on a limited budget. Many are reached by spiral staircases that wind around tree trunks, others have footbridges, and one even has a lift. All are marvels of technical construction and sophisticated woodwork, and most have stunning views. Photos and watercolors show the houses in their settings as well as their interiors, which often include elaborate furnishings. Brief texts describe how each house is designed and constructed in place without driving nails into the trees or removing branches: if a tree limb is in the way, it is simply incorporated into the design. Snippets of information about the clients who commissioned these dwellings add to the delight of this beautiful coffee-table book. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved