Tree House by North by North – Sustainable Family Living in the Trees

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This article was written by UNI Editorial and published on uni.xyz, a platform for design professionals and creative thinkers.

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This article covers topics related to Architecture, Housing. Tree House by North by North is a 60m² sustainable home in Sydney, integrating black orb design, timber, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Tree House by North by North is a 60m² sustainable home in Sydney, integrating black orb design, timber, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

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UNI Editorial published Story under Architecture, Housing on Sep 7, 2025

Nestled high among the lush canopy of Freshwater’s northern beaches, the Tree House by North by North is a striking example of sensitive, sustainable residential architecture. Commissioned by a young family, the project transforms an existing home located on a steep, tree-covered site, addressing both functional limitations and outdoor living challenges.

The site’s original house faced high-level access constraints and an unsatisfactory outdoor arrangement. North by North was tasked with reimagining the possibilities, creating a solution that balances architectural innovation, environmental sensitivity, and family-oriented functionality.

A Thoughtful Addition to Connect Spaces

The project features a 60m² addition that thoughtfully integrates an entry area, extended deck, living space, and kitchen zone. Centralizing the entry acts as a pivot for the interior layout, creating cohesion and fluidity throughout the home. The open-plan design prioritizes flexibility, natural light, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, allowing the family to engage with the surrounding forest landscape.

Clad in a striking black custom orb, the treehouse-like structure hovers above the timber-clad storage area, forming a sheltered entry while minimizing impact on the native environment. Existing trees were preserved and integrated into the design, enhancing the home’s connection to nature.

Indoor-Outdoor Harmony

Large window boxes frame breathtaking views of the tree canopy, while fully retractable sliding doors enable the living and kitchen areas to flow directly onto the deck, fostering an immersive outdoor experience. Every design choice reinforces a commitment to sustainability, functionality, and spatial harmony.

North by North, established in 2014, is renowned for their focus on sustainable design, interior architecture, and hospitality projects, bringing meticulous attention to detail and environmental sensitivity to every project.