In the southwest of Arkansas Garvan Woodland GardensA common tree house with four floors welcomes visitors to the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden. Designed by mode studio And built in 2018, the whimsical yet contemporary structure will be embraced by pine and oak trees, which connects visitors to the surrounding forest via raised walkways and viewpoints.
“This unique structure is a determining small project for mode,” says the team, and shares that the work uses their own youth experiences in the region. They add that “it is easy to take on our strong bond with the creeks, forests, insects and animals from Arkansas. However, many children in the modern world are unfortunately disconnected from this kind of game. “
The studio took Dendrology, the study of trees and wooded plants, as a starting point for the overall form and the way people deal with the space while moving along the passages and stairwells.
The curved screen that looks at the structure consists of 113 fins made of locally produced southern yellow pines. Airy slats and metal screens saves from branches allow the light and the breeze through, so that the connection of visitors to the surrounding Ouachita -forest is maintained from numerous viewpoints.
Designers came up with a space that would reverse the attention of people on the natural wonders of the canopy and enables visitors to climb and see it higher. “The tree house uses a rich visual and tactile environment to stimulate the mind and the body and to reinforce connections to the natural world, while the needs of all users are designated,” says the company.
Modus Studio was recently selected to exhibit in the US Pavilion at the Biennale of 2025 Venice Architecture. If you are in Arkansas, you can also see Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, where the team has designed a series of pavilions and dynamic bridges. Find more about the studios website. (Via Just magazine))
