The Half-Tree House, designed by Jacobschang Architecture, is a 360-square-foot, off-grid cabin located on a remote, 60-acre property in a second-growth forest in Sullivan County, upstate New York. Built on a budget of just $20,000, the residence was constructed entirely by its owners and a team of friends in the "New England barn-raising" spirit. The house features a design that minimizes its impact on the steep, wooded site, creating the illusion that it floats among the trees.

To achieve this "floating" effect, the structure uses a hybrid anchoring system. The upslope side of the cabin is supported by standard concrete footings, while the other side is suspended from two existing trees using a specialized treehouse fastener system called Garnier Limbs. This approach not only saved money by avoiding expensive foundations and retaining walls but also minimized site disturbance.

The aesthetic of the Half-Tree House is characterized by a strong contrast between its exterior and interior. The exterior is clad with timber milled from Eastern Pines that were felled on the property. This wood was then treated with traditional Scandinavian pine tar, giving the cabin a dark, weather-resistant facade that blends into the forest. Inside, the walls and ceiling are painted white, and the floor is sealed with a clear, matte coat, creating a bright and minimalist space.

The single-room interior is flooded with natural light and air via three large, 8-by-8-foot steel-tube pivot doors that also feature dual-insulated glass. For the colder New York winters, the space is heated by an efficient Jotul wood stove. The cabin has no piped water or electricity, with power coming from a portable generator if needed, reinforcing its identity as a remote and self-reliant getaway.

Credits

Architects: Jacobschang Architecture

Photography: Noah Kalina