Location: Dumfries, Scotland
Client: Landal Barnsoul
Scale: 3-bedroom house, 225sqm
At BACA architects, we have always been fascinated by the timeless magic of treehouses. From childhood stories to modern escapism, the idea of living amongst the trees speaks to a deep human desire for connection with nature.
Our Skylark Treehouses, designed for Outdoor Sanctuaries, reimagine that nostalgia through the lens of sustainable architecture and modern craftsmanship.Located in the forests of Dumfries, Scotland, the Skylark series forms part of a new generation of eco-cabins designed for the European leisure market. These lightweight, self-supporting timber structures tread lightly on the land while offering all the comforts of a boutique retreat.
Each treehouse is designed to tessellate into single, dual, or triple clusters, creating sustainable tourism destinations that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.The Skylark Treehouse embodies the harmony between innovation and landscape. Appearing to hover among the trees, the design celebrates Scotland’s wild beauty while promoting low-impact living. It is not just accommodation but an experience, a way of living close to the earth, within the stillness of the forest canopy.
Inspired by both the simplicity of traditional treehouses and the sculptural precision of modern design, we developed the Skylark series using a fabric-first approach. Each structure is prefabricated using CNC technology, ensuring minimal site disturbance and precision assembly.
The facades are interchangeable, using natural materials selected to suit the local setting, and the interiors are crafted with finishes sourced from nearby suppliers.
Thermal performance exceeds UK and EU standards, and discreet air source heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling. Fresh water and drainage connect seamlessly to existing park systems, ensuring a sustainable infrastructure that respects both environment and comfort.
Each treehouse is a sculptural pod with its own unique character. The single unit offers a lounge and kitchenette at ground level, with a bedroom and ensuite above, featuring a circular viewing window and stargazing skylight. The larger configurations include dual and triple pods with generous living spaces, roll-top baths, and terraces that rise through the treetops to a crow’s nest for panoramic views.
The design captures the essence of sustainable architecture in the UK: contemporary, environmentally responsive, and deeply connected to place. The timber shingles, now weathered through exposure in the Latvian forest, reveal a rich natural patina that enhances each pod’s texture and individuality.
Built to harmonise with any landscape, the Skylark Treehouses represent a new chapter in eco-conscious design: a poetic balance of comfort, adventure, and the enduring beauty of the natural world.
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