brochure

Contents
Introduction2
Commercial Services
Treehouses4
ecoPerch25
Gallery - Fun & Adventure 12
Commercial Treehouses
28
Treehouses14
Design / Architectural
36
Gallery - Hideaways
FAQs / Contact
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Many Thanks for your interest in Blue Forest and our
unique and imaginative creations.
I am fortunate enough to have grown up in East Africa
where I spent my childhood enjoying the beauty of
the great outdoors. Blue Forest was born from these
experiences and from a desire to make the world more
adventurous. Consequently, it gives me great pleasure
to introduce you to Blue Forest’s exclusive treehouses.
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Our uniquely tailored service provides a turnkey
solution, where everything from design and planning
to construction and commissioning comes in an easy,
reliable and professional package……all to ensure that
you end up with a truly amazing treehouse.
Whatever your dreams, I trust that you will enjoy this
little taste of our world!
Blue Forest is renowned for designing buildings
that reflect the environment in which they are built.
Andy Payne
N o matter what your
in terest, sit back,
relax a nd let your
imagination ru n wild!
Andy Payne, MD Blue Forest
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Managing Director
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Introduction
Despite the traditional stereotype, treehouses are
not just for children! We have designed and built
everything from fairy-tale treetop play houses to party
venues, inspiring treehouse hotels and eco-friendly
classrooms and education centres.
Treehouses come in every shape, form and style and
may serve any conceivable purpose, including:
• Children’s dens
• Romantic hideaways
• Sophisticated entertainment areas and restaurants
• Blissful family retreats
• Treetop Hotels and Lodges
• Adventure playgrounds and canopy walkways
People tell me th ey are
extend ing th eir house and I
say build a treeh ouse instead.
It’s th e price of a large
conser vatory but mu ch more fu n.
Sharon Smith, Weekend Financial Times.
The Firepit Treehouse comprises of a large treehouse
and deck with plenty of space for star gazing and
alfresco dining. As the name suggests, the treehouse
deck also features a sunken firepit, the perfect place to
enjoy the long summer evenings.
The treehouse is linked via a dramatic rope bridge
to an additional play deck, zip wire and ground level
adventure trail. The number of different decks and play
items creates variety, meaning the children never have
the same play experience twice and are keen to return
time and time again!
This treehouse is the perfect example of how Blue Forest
can create a fantastical and stimulating environment
for children. Inspired by the Alice In Wonderland stories
of Lewis Carroll, the magical scene created by this
treehouse is sure to inspire a child’s imagination.
The architecture of the treehouse is designed to evoke
the themes of magic, surrealism, sweets, wonderment
and whimsy. The roof is shaped in jaunty angles, the
wonky chimney juts out lackadaisically, and the
copper turret is topped with a wizard-like conical
hat. To encourage adventure and curiosity, there is a
separate raised tree deck with a rope bridge, swing
set, slide, fireman’s pole and climbing net, ensuring
that the garden is not just an area of fascination and
wonderment but also of exploration and activity.
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It’s far too nice for th e kids, I’m
thinking about mo ving in myself!
Mr A Staley, Staffordshire
The Nook
Alice in
Wonderland
Located in Surrey, England, we designed this treehouse
as a test kitchen and venue for the client’s gourmet
food company, called The Pure Package. The Pure
Package has revolutionised dieting and healthy eating
through their bespoke food delivery service. Clients
include X-Men actor Hugh Jackman, pop singer
Alexandra Burke and actress Hayley Atwell.
Besides providing the client with a high quality
bespoke kitchen the treehouse provides a unique and
tranquil hideaway to inspire creativity. When not being
used for the client’s business needs, the treehouse also
provides a fun space for the family with an outdoor fire
table and an additional tree deck connected via several
rope bridges. If that doesn’t excite you then there is
always the zip wire and adventure play deck.
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The Pure Package
Treehouse
We simply cannot praise th e Blue Forest
team enoug h, th ey were always working
hard with an obvious attention to detail
and passion for wh at th ey do. I could
not recom mend th em hig hly enoug h.
Jennifer Irvine, Surrey
The Enchanted Hideouts comprises of two fairy-tale
treehouses linked via a dramatic rope bridge and a
ground level adventure trail. This is the ultimate play
area, with everything a child could possibly wish for to
spend hours lost in their imagination.
The interior of the treehouses is comfortable and
inviting creating a wonderful playroom complete with
a small toilet, secret escape pod with a fireman’s pole
and a built-in sofa with bespoke upholstery... oh and
did we mention the home cinema systems!
The treehouses have turreted roofs, which are capped
with decorative copper finials. From the outside, the
conical shape of the roofs gives the buildings a fantasy
fairy-tale feel. On the inside it creates a dramatic
feature for the room with visible rafters and interesting
intersecting angles, a statement of the time and
craftsmanship that has gone into creating each of these
bespoke treehouses.
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The Enchanted
Hideouts
Th e atten tion to detail is
extraord inary & th e craftsma nship
really im maculate. We cannot praise
th e wh ole process & th e finish ed
produ ct hig hly enoug h. Th an k you.”
Natasha Kaplinsky, Sussex (Quote not project specific)
The organic shape of this treehouse was inspired by
the geometry of the “Fibonacci Spiral” - a logarithmic
spiral often found in nature, for example in the form of
a snails shell.
Built in Spain, the treehouse provides an attractive
feature for the client’s property, whilst opening up a
beautiful area of woodland which would otherwise have
remained under-utilised. This is the perfect place to
enjoy a sun downer or entertain friends. The interior is
light and airy with extensive glazing including a long
folding sliding door, blurring the lines between the
inside and outside spaces.
A network of rope bridges and tree decks spread
out from the treehouse into the pine woods. Hidden
amongst the trees the more adventurous will find a
dramatic 25 metre long stainless steel curvy slide!
Primarily designed with the ‘Big Kids’ in mind
this slide is not for the faint hearted. It offers an
exhilarating ride, ending at the entrance to the garden
and close to the client’s pool, outdoor cinema and bar!
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Fibonacci
Treehouse
With views over my pool and
gard en, it’s th e perfect place
for pre-dinn er drin ks.
Mr David Lloyd, Surrey (Quote not project specific)
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This large project features two luxurious treehouses,
a dramatic canopy walkway and a bespoke adventure
play area and assault course.
inside the treehouse features a bespoke kitchenette,
toilet and a large living area that provides plenty of
space for garden & dinner parties.
Design Brief: To design and build an exclusive
treehouse complex that will provide both a unique
venue to entertain friends as well as an adventurous
and exciting place for the children to play.
The Children’s Fantasy Treehouse: To make sure the
kids are occupied we have designed a spectacular
fairytale treehouse featuring three separate medieval
towers, connecting rope bridges and even a trap door
which leads to a games room complete with a Plasma
TV and games console. The treehouse is connected via
a rope bridge to a 70 metre zip wire which lands at the
start of an exciting assault course.
The Adults’ Treehouse Lodge: The exterior finish of
the adults’ treehouse lodge includes our signature
style thatched roof. The walls are clad in hand-split oak
shingles and cedar tongue and groove boards. On the
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Living the
Highlife
It’s fa n tastic,
we’re d elig h ted.
The Owner
Nestled among the boughs of an impressive oak tree,
the Little Acorn Treehouse is an intimate yet spacious
hideaway, ideal for parties and play.
Built primarily with teenagers and their friends in
mind, the treehouse boasts a bespoke home cinema and
surround sound system. The state of the art audio-visual
system is linked, via data cable, to the main house and
a digital library for hours of entertainment. Equipped
further with comfortable seating and a toilet, this is the
perfect space for kicking back and watching films or
playing video games.
This luxury treehouse is set inside a secret garden,
surrounded by a host of indigenous and exotic plants.
Deer, grouse and pheasants can often be seen wandering
nearby. Full of character, the structure features a 6 metre
high tower with an eye catching 4 metre solid oak gothic
arched window. A spiral staircase winds up the inside of
the tower to a viewing platform at the top. For a bit of
fun and excitement the kids can also make use of the
45 metre zip wire!
Wh y should children
have all th e fun?
Th ere’s room in th e
bra nch es for grown-ups…
Sonia Purnell, The Sunday Telegraph
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Little Acorn
A Fairytale Castle
This pool view treehouse is the ultimate relaxed party
venue - the perfect place for family BBQs and for
teenagers and young adults to hang out with friends.
Built next to the client’s swimming pool, the treehouse
has a sprawling exterior deck split over several levels.
To get the adrenaline pumping, there is a diving
platform extending over the deep-end of the pool and a
rope bridge across to a separate deck on a nearby tree.
The treehouse itself is luxurious and comfortable. Fitted
with all the creature comforts you could require, this
is a lovely place to spend leisure time. The main room
features a bespoke home cinema, hand-built TV cabinet
and a semi-circular sofa for kicking-back and watching
films or playing the Xbox.
A cosy sleeping loft has been created on a mezzanine
level. Accessed via a ladder and trapdoor, the loft creates
additional floor space for sleepovers. A glass balustrade
provides a great view down into the treehouse lounge
adding a sense of height and adventure.
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Pool View
Treehouse
Fitted with all m od cons,
treehouses are no longer
just for kids.
Wendy Sloane, Sunday Times
Built on a beautiful private estate in Athens, Greece,
this spectacular treehouse is the height of luxury and
includes a host of fun, high-tech gadgetry.
The design brief was to create a ‘James Bond’ style
treehouse hideaway for the client’s children. As every
secret agent knows, security is essential! To make sure
there will be no undesirable visitors, this treehouse
features a state-of-the-art biometric security system,
including the latest fingerprint locks. In addition
there is a bespoke CCTV system, which controls five
ultra-sharp, colour night vision cameras.
This project consists of a collection of three eco-lodges
located in the hills of Andalucia, on the Spanish Costa
de la Luz. Each lodge enjoys incredible views of Africa
across the Straits of Gibraltar and is highly insulated
to withstand the harsh environment. The buildings
are equipped with the latest in solar energy and water
heating solutions as well as composting toilets and a
water catchment and purification system.
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High-tech
Hideaway
Th e treehouse has a
great calming, positive
effect and is a very
inspirational place
for me to escape to.
Tarifa
Ms Bagedo, The Observer (Quote not Project Specific)
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Blue Forest is regarded as the world’s leading
treehouse consultancy and is renowned for designing
buildings that reflect the environment in which
they are built. Commercial clients include Merlin
Entertainments, Chewton Glen, Center Parcs, The Eden
Project, The National Trust and even the NHS.
to construction and commissioning comes in an easy,
reliable and professional package……all to ensure that
you end up with a truly amazing treehouse scheme.
Introducing the Blue Forest ecoPerch, an inviting
retreat that offers guests an exclusive, sustainable
self-catering experience.
In essence, we provide a coherent and complete design,
construction and management service that adds value
to our clients’ schemes.
The ecoPerch concept is based on Blue Forest’s
famous treehouses. Its natural and organic geometry
maximises the relationship between the inside space
and the outdoor setting, ensuring the structure sits
harmoniously within the landscape.
Blue Forest’s uniquely tailored service provides a turnkey
solution, where everything from design and planning
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“Th e new treehouse suites have already
captured th e imagination of th e
tra vel industry both in th e U K and
internationally… As well as giving Ch ewton
Glen a new story th ey are also ma king
th e bottom lin e even h ealthier with an
anticipated payback of only five years.
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Andrew Stembridge, Managing Director – Chewton Glen
Commercial
Services
The design is flexible and can be assembled on the
ground or as its name suggests, perched amongst
the treetops. The versatility of the structure means it
can sleep up to four people, with a large double bed
located in the main room and single size bunk beds
situated in a separate room. With the numerous bespoke
considerations and luxurious built-in design features,
the ecoPerch is truly a sustainable alternative to low
quality static caravan and timber lodge accommodation.
ecoPerch
Guide Price: £65,000 + VAT
This striking Yoga Studio has been purpose built for
the client, creating a peaceful and inviting place for
her to hold Yoga classes, just a short commute across
the garden from her house!
Sitting harmoniously within the surrounding
environment, the studio design is based on an
elongated cuboid with a dramatic curved face along
the rear elevation. Several sets of large sliding folding
doors run along the entire front elevation, which can
be fully opened on a summers day and are intended to
maximize the relationship between the inside space and
the outdoor setting.
The inside of the studio is finished with both cedar
lining and painted plaster and feels incredibly light,
spacious and airy. The curved rear wall creates a unique
focal point and helps to soften the shape of the room.
The natural light and ventilation also combine to create
a tranquil environment, topped off with spectacular
views out across the garden and lake.
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Sp8ce Yoga
Studio
I’ve fou nd a little piece of h eaven
surrou nd ed by an abunda nce of beauty and
tra nquillity. Th e perfect place to bring
som e calm and peace into my busy day...
Ana, Surrey
Blue Forest were approached by Chewton Glen to
assist with the design of six distinctive, luxurious and
sustainable treehouse suites. The scheme re-defines
the traditional image of a country-house hotel, forming
an essential element of the hotel’s need to re-brand
and diversify its business to respond to a changing
economic environment.
The treehouses appear like ‘lily pads’ floating in
the Chewton Bunny valley, which runs through a
wooded area of the hotel grounds on the Solent
coast. Externally the treehouses have a simple, rustic
woodland appearance, coupled with high quality
detailing and innovative craftsmanship to produce the
uppermost level of finish, in keeping with the hotel’s
world-class reputation.
As well as giving Chewton Glen a new story, the
treehouses conjure a sense of excitement and adventure
and will ensure that the hotel continues to be the
“jewel in the crown” of both the New Forest and
Southern England. The new treehouse suites have
already captured the imagination of the design &
travel industries both in the UK and internationally,
winning the Bloomberg International Hotel Awards in
the categories of Best Hotel Architecture & Best Small
Hotel Construction & Design.
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Chewton Glen
Th e Blue Forest sch em e was innovative
from th e outset and was particularly
desira ble because it was so uniqu e and
appealing to a num ber of markets…
Andrew Stembridge, Managing Director – Chewton Glen
Blue Forest are delighted to have completed the
development of 5 luxury treehouses for Alton Towers
latest resort, The Enchanted Village.
With a strong emphasis on fun, play and adventure,
the treehouse village is accessible by decked footpaths
and high level rope bridges. Each magically themed
treehouse sleeps up to 8 people and includes an open
plan living space, family and en-suite bathrooms and
children’s bunk rooms and sleeping lofts.
The treehouses themselves have been designed to fit
into the surrounding environment with very little
impact and are constructed using environmentally
friendly building materials and construction techniques
wherever possible.
The treehouse scheme is part of a wider development
at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire which includes
120 unique fairytale lodges aimed at increasing the
Resort’s foothold in the short-break market.
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Alton Towers
It’s a very exciting concept
for us and on e th at we believe
will create real opportu nities
for th e surrounding area.
Mark Kerrigan, Alton Towers Resort’s Development Director
Tongole Wilderness Lodge is an exciting new
eco-tourism venture deep within the rugged and
breathtakingly beautiful miombo woodland of the
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi.
The Lodge has been expertly designed by the Blue Forest
team in such a way as to incorporate the very best of
local Malawian culture whilst blending perfectly with
its stunning natural setting. In addition to designing
and master planning the scheme, Blue Forest provided
consultancy and project management services to see
the project through to completion.
The Lodge itself has been built from the red earth upon
which it stands, whilst its rock, wood and thatch has
also been sourced, wherever possible, from the Lodge’s
immediate environs. Tongole is the only high-end
facility of its kind in the region, drawing those who
seek an exceptional wilderness experience in one of
Africa’s – and possibly Malawi’s last – truly wild areas.
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Tongole
Wilderness Lodge
Tongole, a place of passion and hope…
So thorough ly chilled was I by th e
end of th e first day that it was easy to
forget that Tongole has this
philan thropic undertow.
Nigel Richardson, Telegraph Travel
Blue Forest have recently completed construction of
Birr Castle Treehouse, the tallest treehouse in Ireland.
Standing more than 3 stories high, the treehouse is
the centrepiece for a new adventure playground at
Birr Castle, Demesne.
The structure has been designed to resemble an
adventurous fairytale castle, blending effortlessly with
the architecture of the main castle and echoing elements
of the build in its own design. Round turrets and
Gothic-style windows transport the visitor back in time.
Since the opening of the treehouse adventure
playground, Birr Castle has experienced a significant
increase in visitor numbers. The treehouse has
also been featured in a wide variety of national and
international press, including The Sunday Times,
The Herald, Irish Times, The Irish Times Magazine
and The Sunday Business Post.
Blue Forest have designed and built some exciting new
adventure play structures for Pensthorpe WildRootz
Play Area at Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens!
‘WildRootz’ is an exciting new outdoor activity
development. The 7,000 square-metre playscape will
encourage children to play and explore in natural
habitats such as woods, fields and streams.
The new play structures have been designed to provide a
high level of play value, the aim being that the children
never have the same play experience twice and are keen
to return time and time again to create a new experience
limited only by their imaginations.
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If my gra ndc hildren are anything
to go by th e Treehouse and
Adventure Playground will be
top of everyon e’s must visit list
this sum mer. We look forward to
welcom ing people to one of th e
few public Treehouses in th e world.
Lord Rosse, Owner Birr Castle – Speaking at the launch of the treehouse.
Birr Castle
Treehouse
Th e aim of WildRootz is to
pro vid e a h ealthy and
inspiring place for fam ilies to
have a fun and energetic day
out… This is our con tribution
in encouraging a new gen eration
of Chris Packham’s or David
Attenborough’s for tom orrow.
Deb Jordan, Owner of Pensthorpe
Wild Rootz
Play Area
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Design /
Architectural
Through the unique and creative nature of our designs
Blue Forest aims to change people’s perspectives;
unlocking their imaginations and transporting them
into a treetop world above the stresses of everyday life.
Our vision goes beyond the physical design as we seek
to combine environmentally sensitive techniques with
ethical working practices, providing all our clients, both
private and commercial, with the highest standard of
service no matter what their requirement.
Blue Forest’s creative design team specialise in the
conception of unique and inspiring structures that
reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Our team will work with you to create a bespoke
treehouse scheme, suited to your individual brief
and designed to fit your host tree and site. If you are
interested in building a treehouse it is wise to think
ahead as the design and planning process can take
several months. Our design process is outlined below:
Design Stages – For Private Clients
1.
Stage 1: Plans
Following a comprehensive site
survey a full set of scaled floor
plans are provided, showing the
location of all significant trees
and environmental features and
illustrating the layout and design
of the proposed project.
2.
Stage 2: Elevations
Scaled elevations are provided,
representing a view of the design
at eye level. Each elevation shows
the location of all the key building
elements including rooflines,
windows and doors, etc.
3.
Stage 3: Perspectives
Various computer rendered
perspectives are completed,
providing a very clear visual image
of what the completed structure
will look like once it is built. The
perspectives also illustrate the
choice of exterior cladding and
roof materials, etc.
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4.
Stage 4: Interiors
Our interior design team will work with you to create an individual
design scheme for your treehouse, including the lighting, furniture
and fit out to suit your personal requirements and taste.
Design Stages
Do Blue Forest only design and
build treehouses? No. Although we
primarily build treehouses we also
offer a full design and construction
service for clients interested in
building adventure play areas,
ground based eco-lodges and
hideaways of all kinds.
Do I need a mature tree to support
my treehouse? Not necessarily. The
structure can be supported on stilts
if the tree is not suitable or if the
trees are protected.
Is planning permission required?
Planning permission is required
for the construction of a treehouse.
Although the process can take some
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time (at least 8 weeks) it is not
normally difficult to obtain.
We are very happy to offer advice
and guidance and to act as agents
on your behalf during the
planning process.
How much will it cost to build?
That’s entirely up to you. Prices
start around £25,000 and the sky is
the limit!
All Blue Forest treehouses are
bespoke which means we are unable
to give a definite price until we
have completed a full site survey.
However, we are happy to work
around your budget to ensure we
create the perfect treehouse for you.
How long does it all take? The
process can take some time so
it’s always worth thinking ahead.
Firstly, a member of the team
will visit you to discuss your ideas
and to undertake a survey of the
location. Following this, we aim
to provide you with a full set of
plans and an itemised quotation
within 3-4 weeks. If you choose to
proceed there can be a wait of up to
3 months (depending on the time of
year) until we are able to commence
construction. On average,
construction takes between 8-12
weeks depending on the size of
your project.
Where to go from here...
An initial consultation: We would
be delighted to arrange an initial
consultation at a convenient
time in order to:
•Listen to your ideas and ambitions
•Present a selection of previous
Blue Forest projects for your
interest
•Discuss financial budgets
•Discuss planning issues
•Discuss and explain timescales
and logistics
•Discuss the surrounding
environment and assess
suitable locations
Survey and Designs: Should
you wish to proceed, we would
undertake a comprehensive site
survey and complete a full set of
scaled designs. Besides scaled
floor plans and elevations, our
designs include fully rendered
3-dimensional computer models of
each structure, providing a photorealistic image of the treehouse
or eco-lodge before it is built. We
charge a set fee for our design
service, which is calculated based
on the scale and complexity of your
proposed project.
Contact Information:
A Comprehensive Quotation: Along
with our designs we will submit an
itemised quotation to supply and
fit your exclusive treehouse. This
quotation will include an estimated
construction time. If you wish to
proceed, the installation date would
be confirmed to you, in writing,
upon receipt of your deposit.
With regard to cost, we do not have
a set price list as each treehouse
and eco-lodge is unique.
For more information please
contact the office:
Phone: +44 (0) 1892 750090
Email: info@blueforest.com
www.blueforest.com
Blue Forest (UK) Ltd, The Courtyard, Eridge Park,
Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex, TN3 9JT
Design + production: www.gulpcreative.com
FAQs
www.blueforest.com