My treehouse is a contemporary inflection
of the ancient Hawaiian Hale and Heiau. These shared classic styles were simple
in form but designed for a resilience and utility which fostered resourcefulness.
My interpretation breaks the uses and character of one hale into its parts and
into multiple spaces, stretching its function through the language of skin and
construction and reflecting their roles in life through their portion and articulation
of the details. It is a sum of parts tied to a singular vertical ridgepole (pou-hana).
With
exception for the rigid collar connection, all parts of this treehouse are natural,
incorporating traditional materials and techniques –reflective of Polynesian
and Pacific ideals of stewardship toward land and sea. Each level is designed
to the original ratio of 1:1.33, resulting in three 12’x18’ area floors
plus lanai. Terraces at ground level provide areas to cultivate earth or raise
fishponds.
