THE
TREEHOUSE
SECHELT
THE
TREEHOUSE
SECHELT
A Real Life Treehouse
Welcome to this real life Treehouse. We were delighted to work with these ambitious clients, who’s love for the environment and sustainability aligned perfectly with our own. The owners wanted to prove that they could build a spacious and beautiful home without damaging the environment. We designed a home that would not require a single tree to be removed, with a bespoke structural design that would work around the root systems, and would be built with low embodied carbon materials.
The vision: Build a home in an old-growth forest that does not disrupt, damage, or displace the existing ecosystem
Tree Preservation
The clients did not wish to disturb the trees, but still wanted to be close enough to reach out and touch them. We worked closely with the surveyors, the structural engineers and an arborist to make this possible.
L Shape
The L shape of the plan is a result of stepping between the trees, while giving maximum south exposure to increase solar gains and creating beautiful westerly views of the Sechelt inlet. The minimum amount of concrete is used in the foundation, just to protect from soil sliding down the steep slope, and the rest of the home is placed on steel piles which were carefully placed between the roots of the trees. This allowed us to get as close as possible to the trees, which provide privacy and natural shading.
Seamless Integration
By prioritizing performance, durability, and conservation, our team brought The Treehouse to life—a stunning, high-performance home that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. This project is a testament to how respecting and preserving the landscape can shape a design, resulting in something truly unique and beautiful.
A STEP 5 Home: Built for Performance
The Treehouse meets STEP 5 of the BC Energy Step Code, achieving top-tier energy efficiency and airtightness. Triple-pane Innotech Windows + Doors enhance durability, while a 2×6 wall assembly with R-22 fiberglass and 3-inch EPS insulation ensures high performance (R-36). The roof (R-46) and floor (R-54) assemblies further optimize efficiency. A 0.28 ACH50 blower door test highlights our airtight strategy. While EPS foam and a 50-year torch-on membrane balanced sustainability and practicality, expert craftsmanship made this project possible. The Treehouse is proof that high-performance homes can be beautiful, durable, and efficient.
Render to Reality
Check out the Passive House Accelerator Article that features the Treehouse and the story behind the project!
A Closer Look
Building Design: GNAR Inc.
Builder: Lincoln Construction
Engineer: Allester Engineering
Windows: Innotech Windows and Doors
Energy Consultant: Sitka Energy
Details: 4 beds / 3 baths
Completed: Summer 2025
