Project: Forest Retreat
Architecture: Envelope Architecture + Design
Partner: Douglas Burnham
Team: Grayson Holden, Lauren Jordan, Clarke Selman, Julian Paul
Collaborators: Axelson Builders, Richard Barnes, Mosswood Engineering, Insight Construction Partners, TERREMOTO
Location: Northern California, United States
Photography: Richard Barnes
Hidden deep within the forested hills of Northern California, the Forest Retreat by Envelope Architecture + Design is a unique sanctuary that blurs the lines between architecture and nature. Conceived as a gathering place for a community of family, friends, and colleagues, this retreat offers a refreshing take on the idea of a family getaway. Rather than creating a traditional singular structure, the architects envisioned a home that would meld seamlessly with its forested surroundings, asking the intriguing question: What if the forest itself was the house?
A Cluster of Tented Cabins in the Canopy
The answer to this question is realized through a collection of tent cabins, each serving a distinct purpose. The retreat is composed of three sleeping quarters and a central living-dining commons, all perched on stilts that lift them into the forest canopy. These structures are connected by wooden paths and gathering places, creating a network of indoor and outdoor rooms suspended between the treetops and the canopy floor. This arrangement fosters a sense of playfulness and conviviality, encouraging interaction among family and friends while maintaining a deep connection with the natural environment.
Merging Architecture with Nature
The design of the Forest Retreat emphasizes the seamless integration of architecture with the surrounding landscape. The tented roofs and walls of the cabins not only provide shelter but also allow the sounds and rhythms of the forest to permeate the living spaces. This connection with the natural setting is further enhanced by large clear and mirrored-bronze glass windows, which frame views of the forest and neighboring “rooms,” offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape from every angle.
Inside the cabins, wood-framed walls and floors create a warm and inviting atmosphere, balancing the rustic charm of the forest with the comforts of modern living. These materials provide a tactile connection to the natural world, reinforcing the retreat’s underlying philosophy of harmonizing with the environment.
A Retreat That Becomes One with the Forest
The Forest Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it is an experience that immerses its inhabitants in the beauty and serenity of the forest. By dissolving the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, the retreat creates a unique living environment where the forest and the house become one. Here, suspended among the treetops, the retreat offers a space for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation, making it a true haven for those seeking to escape the demands of modern life and reconnect with nature.
