Overview
We are proponents of Biophilic design theory that speaks about an intrinsic human love for nature and our deep desire to connect with it. The Tree House Stairway references this human love for nature and how this theme can be integrated into the places we spend most of our lives. The scale encompasses two flights of stairs and a 150 year old burr oak tree branch that reaches 35' tall and balustrades that run 30' in width. The stair treads are 3.5" solid cherry wood. The stringers and balustrades are welded steel with a powder coating.
Goals
The tree house stairway was a personal reflection of the homeowner's love of art, nature and style. Aaron Laux was hire specifically because of a track record of integrating nature inspired design into functional artwork. It was the home owner's specific request to have a tree integrated into the design as a column. Whole Trees company was brought in to supply and install the tree. Creating a sense of flow was critical for a feature that needed to be the focal point of the entire home. For this reason eccentrically shaped treads were used as well as multi height balustrades. Other functional aspects, such as a bench were in incorporated into the design.
Process
The tree house stairway was a collaborative project that brought together the interdisciplinary talents of architects, artists, builders, contractors and the home owner. This design was intended to bring nature indoors and is a personal reflection of the home owners style and individuality. The building of some thing on this scale requires a team effort. In concert with the home owner, Aaron Laux Design served as designer and project manager with support from Whole Trees Co. that supplied and installed a re-purposed a thirty-five foot tall tree as part of a whimsical staircase and balustrades. The choreography of this project was intense. We used a crane to drop the tree through the roof and position it before we could start on the staircase. It was critically important that the rise and run of steps be correct and we nailed it. Each piece of wood and metal was hand fabricated and installed.
- Subject Matter: Abstract, free form, natural wood, bringing the outdoors indoors.
- Collections: Private collection