Charred wood treehouse creates a simple backyard play space

Ah, the versatile beauty of the treehouse. For some, it can be endless architectural inspiration; for others, it’s a classic ode to childhood. This treehouse in a backyard in Cascais, Portugal, is a little bit of both.

Architecture studio Madeiguincho designed the treehouse for a grandfather who wanted to give his grandchildren a place to play without glowing screens. And indeed, the simple charred wood structure is resolutely and refreshingly analog.

The architects built the small house around three existing trees—a large cedar cutting through the floor and ceiling of the interior, and two other that support the generous deck.

João Carranca

Accessed via a rather steep set of stairs, the treehouse stretches into a mini barn of sorts covered by a gabled roof. The floors and walls are cut from natural wood, creating a warm cozy atmosphere especially when the sun is shining.

The ends of the treehouse feature glass walls with slatted wood that cast playful patterns of light and shadow across the interior. It’s not an iPad, but we’ll go ahead and say it’s plenty mesmerizing.

João Carranca

João Carranca