Treehouse by dSPACE Studio: A Tranquil Family Retreat in the Heart of Nature

Nestled in the serene landscape of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Treehouse by dSPACE Studio stands as a striking example of modern architecture harmonizing with nature. Designed as a family retreat, the project blends seamlessly with its rugged surroundings while offering expansive views of the iconic Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. With influences drawn from both the natural terrain and the region’s architectural history, Treehouse offers an architectural oasis for its inhabitants, showcasing sustainable design and innovative construction techniques.

A Nod to Architectural History

Located in Beverly Shores, a charming beach community encircled by the Indiana Dunes National Park, Treehouse is a short walk away from the Century of Progress Architectural District. This district is home to five futuristic homes from the 1933 World’s Fair, each offering a unique glimpse into mid-century architectural innovation. The preservation of these homes inspired the design of Treehouse, which embraces forward-thinking architecture while respecting the community's historical significance.

Challenges of Building in the Dunes

The steeply wooded site, with its rugged beauty, was a key draw for the client, but it also posed several challenges. A significant portion of the dune is protected from development, which meant the buildable area was limited to the highest point of the site. This presented the design team with a unique opportunity to minimize the impact of the structure on the landscape while taking full advantage of the natural surroundings.

The project team took great care in positioning the driveway and utility systems to prevent erosion, ensuring that the construction process was sensitive to the environment. The result is a home that feels inextricably linked to its landscape, rather than disrupting it.

Design Concept: A Vertical Retreat

The architectural design of Treehouse maximizes its connection with nature through its columnar massing and vertical stacking of living spaces. By minimizing the home's footprint, the structure rises above the ground, reducing its impact on the delicate dune ecosystem. The tall, narrow form of the house is influenced by the mature trees surrounding the site, casting beautiful dappled light across the facade throughout the day.

On the top floor, the expansive views open up to the treetops, Lake Michigan, and the distant Chicago skyline, providing an almost panoramic experience of the natural beauty that surrounds the property.

Inverting Traditional Living Spaces

Treehouse challenges conventional multi-level home design by inverting the typical organization of living spaces. Primary living areas, such as the kitchen and living room, are located at the top of the structure, above the bedrooms and workspaces. This innovative arrangement allows residents to experience the most expansive views while enjoying natural light in the heart of the home.

Each room is strategically oriented to enhance its relationship with the landscape, optimizing sunlight and framing unique views. For example, the primary suite takes full advantage of morning sunlight, while the kitchen features a window that captures the colorful dusk skies, animating the space with vibrant hues at sunset.

Sculptural Design and Connection to Nature

A hallmark of the Treehouse design is the sculptural quality of the home’s facade. Large voids are carved from the structure, creating protected exterior balconies that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living. These balconies, clad in warm cedar, contrast with the white steel skin of the home, amplifying the feeling of openness while ensuring a comforting human scale.

The thoughtful design of the home includes premium insulated glazing units and overhangs that control the flow of natural light into the space. This careful choreography ensures that light enters the home in a way that enhances its atmosphere while maintaining energy efficiency.

Sustainable Design: Building for the Future

True to its forward-thinking nature, Treehouse incorporates sustainable architecture features that prioritize environmental harmony. The home boasts a high-performance thermal envelope and passive solar design, reducing the energy consumption required to heat and cool the space. Materials have been chosen for their durability, ensuring that the structure will stand the test of time while minimizing maintenance needs.

Energy-efficient features, such as LED lighting and radiant floor heating, contribute to the home’s sustainability. Additionally, the landscaping includes drought-tolerant native plants, further enhancing the home's eco-friendly design.

Treehouse is more than just a home; it’s a celebration of modern architecture, sustainability, and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Through thoughtful design and careful integration with the landscape, dSPACE Studio has created a home that offers both a peaceful retreat and a harmonious connection to the environment. As part of Beverly Shores' tradition of progressive architecture, Treehouse stands as a testament to the future of home design—one that embraces nature, history, and innovation.

All Photographs are works of Tony Soluri Photography