The Secret Tower
Design/Build: Wild Tree Woodworks
Seattle, Washington
Not every backyard has the right conditions for a traditional treehouse. Trees may be too young, the wrong species, in poor health, or positioned too close to property lines. While that can be disappointing at first, we see it as an opportunity. A treehouse doesn’t have to rely on a single trunk to feel elevated, immersive, and full of possibility.
This project grew from that exact scenario. Our client wanted a dedicated place for their kids to play, but their yard didn’t offer viable trees for attachment. Rather than stopping there, they reached out to start the conversation.
During the site visit, David identified an overlooked opportunity — a section of retaining wall with enough elevation and presence to anchor a structure. It wasn’t obvious at first. On paper it began to make sense. Once built, it felt inevitable.
The finished structure integrates into the hillside with intention. Dark siding allows it to recede into the landscape, while cedar accents add warmth and contrast without overwhelming the space. The multi-tiered layout creates dimension and movement, and the covered porch extends the usable area, offering flexibility for play in different seasons and weather.
Constraints often sharpen the design process. In this case, the absence of suitable trees led to a solution that feels specific to the property — not forced, not improvised, but thoughtfully integrated. Sometimes the limitation is the very thing that makes the project distinct.
