The treehouse is accessible with a ramp that’s built up behind the structure so customers with disabilities can also enjoy the stunning views. “For many, this is an opportunity to experience a treehouse, and forest bathing for that matter, when they thought they might never be able to,” Nelson says.
Projects
Eclectic Treehouse Offers a Forest Bathing Experience at 22 Feet in the Pacific Northwest
Inspired by the Japanese concept shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, this ADA accessible treehouse is a sanctuary among the trees of the Pacific Northwest.
October 10, 2022
The Ananda Treehouse is an architectural marvel where you’d least expect it. Nestled among two beautiful Douglas Fir trees 22 feet in the air in Issaquah, Wash., this rental treehouse overlooks the Raging River, the perfect setting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Showcasing the density and grandeur of the forest, as well as the old growth trees supporting this treehouse—some 5-foot in diameter or more.
“It’s one of these places where I so love what the forest and river represent and being able to immerse yourself in that feeling of nature … to experience forest bathing at its best,” says Pete Nelson of the Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, owner of Nelson Treehouse and the building mind behind Ananda Treehouse.
Forest bathing can be as simple as a contemplative stroll through the woods or as experiential as an immersive day-long or overnight stay.
There’s no doubt that time spent in nature is good for the spirit. Whether experiencing burnout or just looking to escape the everyday busy-ness of work and life, immersing yourself in the forest is good for the soul and good for the planet.
Forest bathing can be as simple as a contemplative stroll through the woods or as experiential as an immersive day-long or overnight stay.
There’s no doubt that time spent in nature is good for the spirit. Whether experiencing burnout or just looking to escape the everyday busy-ness of work and life, immersing yourself in the forest is good for the soul and good for the planet.
The Ananda Treehouse is ADA accessible. It was finished in 2021 and is the last in a seven-treehouse bed and breakfast resort just outside of Seattle. The team named the treehouse Ananda, which means “extreme happiness” and is one of the highest states of being. This treehouse is the best example of how humans turned toward the trees for happiness.
Featuring large Marvin windows, framed views, and organic accents, this treehouse offers the experience of forest bathing both inside and out. Marvin Signature Ultimate windows can offer the look of steel but with better performance to achieve the desired aesthetic. Throughout, windows are strategically placed to remind visitors that they are floating among the trees.
“We positioned the windows to frame these beautiful trees to ensure you remember where you are,” Nelson says.
Featuring large Marvin windows, framed views, and organic accents, this treehouse offers the experience of forest bathing both inside and out. Marvin Signature Ultimate windows can offer the look of steel but with better performance to achieve the desired aesthetic. Throughout, windows are strategically placed to remind visitors that they are floating among the trees.
“We positioned the windows to frame these beautiful trees to ensure you remember where you are,” Nelson says.
The treehouse is connected by Treehouse Attachment Bolts (TABs). This heavy piece of hardware is the most important structural element of treehouse-building. TABs are made of hardened steel and act as artificial tree limbs on which the main structural support members of the treehouse rest or hang. Not only do TABs support large loads with ease, they also allow the free growth of the tree so the structure is not only safe, but also sustainable. The exterior features cedar shakes installed in wavy lines that mimic the exceptionality of nature. The design was inspired by a wood artist, and the shakes took six months to install.
The treehouse is accessible with a ramp that’s built up behind the structure so customers with disabilities can also enjoy the stunning views. “For many, this is an opportunity to experience a treehouse, and forest bathing for that matter, when they thought they might never be able to,” Nelson says.
The treehouse is accessible with a ramp that’s built up behind the structure so customers with disabilities can also enjoy the stunning views. “For many, this is an opportunity to experience a treehouse, and forest bathing for that matter, when they thought they might never be able to,” Nelson says.
When building a treehouse, Nelson and his team are fans of using local products and integrated Marvin windows whenever possible. They transitioned to exclusively using Marvin products because of the overall experience. “They truly have a product for every treehouse to fit the overall look and feel we are creating,” Nelson says. “Plus, they respond well to all environments and the customer service can’t be beat.”
You can continue to follow the journey via the Nelson Treehouse blog and YouTube channel.
You can continue to follow the journey via the Nelson Treehouse blog and YouTube channel.
Photography by Joshua Hebert
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