Straddling the natural hillside along Lake Hamilton in the Ouachita Mountains is the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden Tree House, built by Modus Studio in 2018 as the first of three planned tree houses for the children’s garden. 

At the heart of this project lies one underlying theme: connection. “Because of our mostly-rural upbringing, it is easy to take for granted our strong connection to the creeks, forests, insects, and animals of Arkansas,” Modus Studio says. ”However, many children in the modern world are unfortunately disconnected from this type of play.”

With an aim to reconnect children with nature, as well as to stimulate the mind and body through rich visual and tactile activities, the tree house was designed to evoke a mysterious and magical atmosphere with multiple levels for both children and adults. Inspired by the studio members’ collective childhood experiences and a “think, make, do” philosophy, the unique structure encourages an exploration of materials and a creative play of shadow, light, and sound amongst the native pines and oaks of the Ouachita Forest. 

The curving, semi-transparent structure is composed of 113 fins crafted from locally-sourced thermalized Southern Yellow Pine. Openings draw attention to the forest canopy at every turn. A whimsical escape from the constant barrage of screens and technology, this garden tree house humbly aims to encourage young minds to appreciate the environment through social and emotional interactions. Visit more projects by Modus Studio.

Photography © Timothy Hursley