Project: Virginia Tree House
Architecture: Robert Young Architects
Location: Great Falls, Virginia, United States
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Robert Young Architects
Virginia Tree House by Robert Young Architects is a tranquil refuge set in a Virginia forest near Washington, DC. The house sits on the slope of a valley, rising above the forest floor to offer unique experiences at different heights.
Harmonious Placement in Nature
The treehouse is carefully positioned to protect sensitive ecologies. At the bottom of the slope lies a low-lying floodplain with a stream that flows into the Potomac River. The design preserves this natural setting, ensuring that the environment remains undisturbed. In this way, the house not only provides shelter but also respects the surrounding ecosystem.
Interior Design That Connects with the Outdoors
Inside, natural and warm materials cover the walls and floors. The spaces are arranged to guide movement through the house while highlighting views of the forest. Solid walls block the view of nearby neighbors, while well-placed windows create multiple vantage points of the woods—showing the foreground, middleground, and distant landscape. Diagonal sightlines add a dynamic feel to the layout and further connect the interior to nature.
Experience the Forest from Different Elevations
The house is built to offer different perspectives of the forest. As you move through the treehouse, you experience the changing views from various levels. This design approach not only enhances the beauty of the natural surroundings but also creates a living environment that is fully immersed in nature.
In short, Virginia Tree House is a modern retreat that blends sustainable design with natural beauty. It invites its inhabitants to experience the forest in new and intimate ways, all while preserving the delicate ecology of the site.
