Blue Forest

Exclusive Treehouses & Eco-lodges

 Contents
Introduction 2 Ethical Trade 24
Tree Houses 4 Design / Architectural 26
Gallery - Kids 12 Eco-Lodges 30
Tree Houses 14 Commercial Services 34
Gallery - Adults 22 FAQs / Contact 40

Many thanks for your interest in Blue Forest and our
unique and adventurous creations.
I am fortunate enough to have grown up in East Africa
where I spent my childhood enjoying the beauty and
adventure of the great outdoors. Blue Forest was born
from these experiences and from a desire to bring other
people closer to the natural world. Consequently, it gives
me great pleasure to introduce you to Blue Forest’s
range of exclusive treehouses and eco-lodges.
As a company we have undertaken contracts of all sizes
worldwide, from the UK to Central America and across
Europe to the rainforest of Borneo. Our unique services
are tailor-made to meet the needs of both private and
commercial clients and can be customised to suit a
wide variety of geographic regions.
Tree houses have always been a symbol of imagination
1
and creativity. Whatever your dreams, I trust that you
will enjoy this little taste of our world.

Andy Payne Managing Director

N o matter what your

interest, sit back,
relax and let your
imagination ru n wild!
Andy Payne, MD Blue Forest Ltd.
2 3
Introduction
Despite the traditional stereotype, treehouses are not
just for children! We have designed and built everything
from fantasy playhouses to fabulous entertaining areas,
eco-friendly treehouse holiday homes and inspiring
outdoor education centres.
People tell me th ey are
extending th eir house and I
say build a Tree House instead.
Treehouses come in every shape, form and style and
may serve any conceivable purpose, including:
• Fully equipped home offices
• Romantic getaways
It’s th e price of a large
• Sophisticated entertainment areas and restaurants
• Blissful family retreats
conser vatory but mu ch more fu n.
• Treetop hotels and lodges
• Adventure playgrounds and canopy walkways
Sharon Smith, Weekend Financial Times.

This two-storey children’s fantasy treehouse is built in a
forest next to a small river in the beautiful Hertfordshire
countryside. The structure features a large room and
open turret with a ladder leading up through a secret
trap door into an upstairs hide away. It is fully equipped
with a log-burning stove, lighting and electrics.
4 5
The Enchanted
Forest
Guide Price: £20,000 - £50,000
Completion Time: 9 weeks
It’s fa r too n ic e
This picturesque treehouse is set in the beautiful random style, whilst the inside is lined with softwood
Cumbrian countryside and was featured as part of tongue and groove cladding.
for th e k ids,
Discovery Channel’s ‘The Tree Team’ series. A second drinks deck for the adults has also been built
The main structure of the treehouse has been built and is connected to the treehouse via an exciting rope
I’m th in k ing a blfou t approximately 4 metres off the ground just to one side
of the main tree. The exterior of the treehouse is
bridge. The drinks deck is set high up in a pine tree on
the edge of a rocky outcrop with fantastic views back
m o ving in m yse !
Mr A Staley, Staffordshire.
finished with a combination of rustic, sawn “waney
edge” timber cladding and cedar shingles set in a
towards the client’s home and out across the countryside.
Treetops
Guide Price: £20,000 - £50,000
Completion Time: 7 weeks
 The Design Brief: To create a beautiful treehouse that
will not only be a great place for the kids to play but
also provide a space in the garden to entertain friends
and family or to simply hide away and unwind.
6 7
A Leafy Home
Guide Price: £50,000 - £100,000
Completion Time: 11 weeks
The Treehouse: The finished structure includes solid
hardwood arched windows and doors, a natural cedar
shingle roof and a rustic timber exterior. On the inside,
the treehouse is fully lined with cedar and features a
range of home comforts including under-floor heating,
a flat-screen TV and a cosy window seat from which one
can enjoy the stunning views.
Th e finish ed treeh ouse is
amazing as it blends in with
th e wh ole woodland and is like
stepping into another world.
Mrs Clayton, Cornwall.
 This treehouse was created on behalf of one of Britain’s
most romantic hotels, Amberley Castle, nestled in the
lee of the lovely South Downs. Hauntingly beautiful and
hidden away for nearly 900 years, Elizabeth I and
Charles II have slept within the mighty 60-foot walls of
this, England’s only medieval castle hotel.
The Design Brief: To create a beautiful and luxurious
treehouse that reflects the romance and architecture
of Amberley Castle Country Hotel. The treehouse must
be suitable for year round use, primarily as a hide
away for the hotel’s guests but also as a multi-purpose
venue; for corporate entertainment, meals, weddings
and private functions.
8 9
Amberley Castle
Tree House
Guide Price: £50,000 - £100,000
Completion Time: 9 weeks
The Treehouse: The finished Blue Forest treehouse
features solid oak gothic arched windows and doors, a
traditional water-reed thatched roof and rustic
hand-split oak shingle and cedar exterior. Internally, the
treehouse is fully lined with western red cedar and
features low profile recessed halogen lighting and a
beautiful oak floor. Access is gained via an elegant spiral
staircase leading to a second deck and feature rope
bridge. The treehouse commands spectacular views over
the nearby lake and wildlife haven and is an ideal place
for guests to watch the wildlife, relax or enjoy a cup of
afternoon tea. The venue can also be hired for private
functions and dinners.
It has proved so su ccessful
we are quite staggered by
its popularity.
Martin Cummings, Amberley Castle Hotel Proprietor.
 This stunning oak framed treehouse is built high in the
boughs of an old oak tree, within the beautifully
manicured gardens of a newly refurbished 18th Century
oak beamed country house in Leatherhead, Surrey.
The Design Brief: To create a fantastic venue for dinner
and garden parties. The treehouse must be oak framed
and complement the architecture of the main house,
whilst providing a centrepiece for the garden.
10
Tree House
Dining Room
Guide Price: £20,000 - £50,000
Completion Time: 8 weeks
The Treehouse: Built round a 300-year-old oak the 15ft
long, oval-shaped, mid-air “dining room” is reached
by a wide spiral staircase that sweeps round the girth
of the tree.
There is a ‘curvy’ bespoke oak table that seats 12, a
selection of chairs with cushions and a wicker basket on
a pulley to bring up supplies. Although roofed with
nicely weathered cedar shingles, the sides are open to
the elements, giving the structure a light airy feel and
affording wonderful views, particularly in the evenings.
11
With views over my pool and
gard en, it’s th e perfect place
for pre-dinner drinks.
Mr David Lloyd, Surrey.
 This large project features two luxurious treehouses, a
dramatic canopy walkway and a bespoke adventure play
area and assault course.
The Design Brief: To design and build an exclusive
treehouse complex that will provide both a unique
venue to entertain friends as well as an adventurous
and exciting place for the children to play.
The Adults’ Treehouse Lodge:
The exterior finish of the adults’ treehouse lodge
includes our signature style thatched roof. The walls are
clad in hand-split oak shingles and cedar tongue and
14
Living the
Highlife
Guide Price: £150,000+ (project includes 2 tree house units)
Completion Time: 16 weeks
groove boards. On the inside the treehouse features a
bespoke kitchenette, toilet and a large living area that
provides plenty of space for garden & dinner parties.
The Children’s Fantasy Treehouse: To make sure the
kids are occupied we have designed a spectacular
fairytale treehouse featuring three separate medieval
towers, connecting rope bridges and even a trap door
which leads to a games room complete with a Plasma TV
and games console. The treehouse is connected via a
rope bridge to a 70 metre zip wire which lands at the
start of an exciting assault course.
15
It’s fantastic,
we’re d eligh ted.
The Owner.
 We a re e xtrem e ly is h ed
This treehouse office is located in the stunning Sussex This luxury treehouse is set inside a secret garden,
Weald. There is a short ‘commute’ across the 20m rope surrounded by a host of indigenous and exotic plants.
Wh y s h ou ld c h ild reunn?
h appy with th e finign
bridge before you arrive at the treehouse complete with Deer, grouse and pheasants can often be seen
heating, lighting, broadband and phone lines. There is a wandering nearby. Full of character, the structure
h a v e a ll th e f
veranda at the front of the building to make the most of
those long summer evenings after a hard day at work! resu lt - you r d es features a 6 metre high tower with an eye catching 4
metre solid oak gothic arched window. A spiral staircase
Th ere’s room in th en-ups…
was b rill ia n t!
Mr Williams, France.
winds up the inside of the tower to a viewing platform
at the top. For a bit of fun and excitement the kids can b ra n c h es for g ro w
also make use of the 45 metre zip wire!
Sonia Purnell, The Sunday Telegraph.

16 17

Tree House Office

Guide Price: £20,000 - £50,000
A Fairytale Castle
Guide Price: £100,000 - £150,000
Completion Time: 10 weeks Completion Time: 10 weeks
 Built on a beautiful private estate in Athens, Greece,
this spectacular treehouse is the height of luxury and
includes a host of fun, high-tech gadgetry.
The Design Brief: To create a ‘James Bond’ style
treehouse hide away for the client’s children.
The Treehouse: As every secret agent knows, security
is essential! To make sure there will be no undesirable
visitors, this treehouse features a state-of-the-art
biometric security system, including the latest
fingerprint locks. In addition there is a bespoke CCTV
18
High-tech
Hideaway
Guide Price: £100,000 - £150,000
Completion Time: 10 weeks
system, which controls five ultra sharp, colour night
vision cameras. Each camera is positioned to cover an
entrance or exit to the treehouse. The control centre
allows the user to move and zoom the cameras and take
still shots and video footage of any intruders!
On the inside the treehouse features a kitchenette,
toilet and large living area that is host to a wealth of
cutting-edge, ‘James Bond’ style technology, including
plasma plates, digital photo frames, and a flat screen
TV and games consoles.
19
Fitted with all m od cons,
treehouses are no longer
just for kids.
Wendy Sloane, Sunday Times.
 Constructed in an oak tree next to the swimming pool,
we The luxury treehouse & lodge are set in a truly magical
this treehouse is the perfect place to entertain and relax Bes t tea m of wor k ers private garden surrounding the clients’ charming
Th e tree h ouse h asosaitiv e
ha ve ev er ha d; 100%
and comes complete with a kitchen, shower, toilet and thatched home dating back to 1886. The buildings have
large lounge area.
&
been designed to reflect the setting and character of
g rea t ca lm ing, p v ery
The interior of the treehouse is finished to the highest
pr of ession a l, f riend ly this exquisite house and garden. Access to the tree
eff ec t a nd is a e
is th e house is via a dramatic rope bridge leading from the
re lia b le. Th e tree h ouse
standard. It has a distinctly Asian feel and even

in sp ira tio n a l pla cp e to.

incorporates a pair of traditional Japanese sliding
y last
en vy of ev eryon e, ev er
doors. Other features include under-floor heating and a
top of the range home cinema entertainment system.
d eta il a bsolu te ly p erfe
ct.
Mrs Hills, Kent.
second floor veranda of the property to the main deck.
Both structures incorporate a traditional thatched roof
and handmade doors and windows. Internally, they are
fully lined with western red cedar and feature low
for m e to esca
Ms Bagedo, The Observer.
profile recessed halogen lighting.

20 21

The Pool House

Guide Price: £50,000 - £100,000
Cliffside Lodge
Guide Price: £50,000 - £100,000 (per unit)
Completion Time: 9 weeks Completion Time: 10 weeks
 As part of our commitment to
conserving the world’s natural
resources and working with local
communities in less developed areas
of the world, Blue Forest has built
up close links with a small,
grassroots development
24 programme in Kenya, The
Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and
Eco-Tourism Scheme (ASSETS).
Developed by A Rocha Kenya,
ASSETS is an exciting new project,
which offers a creative solution
meeting the needs of local families,
whilst at the same time encouraging
the conservation of the nearby
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.
The project uses funds raised from
eco-tourism to provide scholarships
for secondary school children who
cannot afford an education.
Members of the Blue Forest team
were responsible for the design and
construction of eco-tourism
attractions, including a tree
platform in the Arabuko-Sokoke
Forest and a 200m suspended
walkway through the mangroves at
nearby Mida Creek. These
attractions help raise money to
support the work of ASSETS, and
were sponsored by the UNDP.
For more information please visit:
www.assets-kenya.org
Blue Forest is also heavily involved
in starting a unique philanthropic
venture that will benefit local
communities through the
establishment of a network of
exclusive treetop lodges in
impoverished areas of outstanding
natural beauty across the globe.
25
Look out for more information on
the Blue Forest website!
www.blueforest.com

Ethical Trade
Blue Forest is keen to lead the way in promoting adventurous outdoor living, bringing people closer
to the natural world. We are truly passionate about conserving the landscape, wildlife and cultural
heritage of our woodlands, and all our timber is specially sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Blue Forest is an ethical company. We believe in promoting local industry and are keen to make a
positive contribution to the communities in which we work.
26 27

Design / Through the unique and creative nature of our designs

Blue Forest aims to change people’s perspectives;
unlocking their imaginations and transporting them
Our vision goes beyond the physical design as we seek
to combine environmentally sensitive techniques with
ethical working practices, providing all our clients, both

Architectural into a treetop world above the stresses of everyday life. private and commercial, with the highest standard of
service no matter what their requirement.
 Blue Forest’s creative design team specialise in the
conception of unique and inspiring structures that
reflect the beauty of the natural world. We are happy to
offer a comprehensive design service for projects
around the globe – please see our commercial services
on pages 34-35 for more information.
Amongst other things, we have produced concept
designs for the world’s largest eco-friendly tree home
community in Central America, an exclusive treehouse
hotel in the rainforests of Borneo and designed & built a
spectacular treehouse environmental education centre
in Southern England. We are currently looking at a host
of other special projects in a number of countries
around the world.

1.
Stage 1: Plans
Following a comprehensive site
survey a full set of scaled floor
plans are provided, showing the
location of all significant trees and
environmental features and
illustrating the layout and design
of the proposed project.
2.
Stage 2: Elevations
Computer rendered, scaled
elevations are provided,
representing a view of the plans at
eye level. Each elevation shows the
3.
Stage 3: Perspectives
Various computer rendered
perspectives are completed,
providing a very clear visual image
of what the completed structure
location of all the key building will look like once it is built.
elements including rooflines,
windows, doors, and also indicates
the choice of exterior cladding and
roof materials, etc.

28 29

Design Stages
Private Clients 4.
Stage 4: Visualisations
A virtual reality computer image is produced
showing a 3D model superimposed into a
photograph of the site.
This provides a vivid image of the completed
project before it has even been built.
 Blue Forest eco-lodges come in every shape, form and
style, from blissful family retreats to fully equipped
home offices and even jungle lodges. Each is
individually crafted and finished to the highest standard
by our team of dedicated craftsmen.
The buildings can be combined with a whole range of
eco-friendly options; from solar water heating to
rainwater harvesting systems, composting toilets and
renewable energy sources such as wind & solar power.
This garden lodge is an ideal, multi purpose
entertainment area. The finished structure has clean
simple lines to complement the client’s house and
garden. The interior is light and airy with plenty of
space for family and friends to unwind around the
pool table or the private bar.

30 31

Eco-Lodges
An eco-lodge is a low-impact, ‘nature based’ accommodation facility that is planned, designed
Garden Lodge
Guide Price: £20,000 - £50,000
and constructed to operate in an environmentally responsible and socially sensitive manner. Completion Time: 7 weeks
 This project consists of a collection of three eco-lodges withstand the harsh environment. The buildings are
located in the hills of Andalucia, on the Spanish Costa equipped with the latest in solar energy and water
de la Luz. Each lodge enjoys incredible views of Africa heating solutions as well as composting toilets and a
across the Straits of Gibraltar and is highly insulated to water catchment and purification system.

32 33

What impressed m e was th e

quality of workmanship
Tarifa and th e attention to detail.
Guide Price: £50,000 - £100,000 (per unit)
Completion Time: 14 weeks Mr Keeling.
 Blue Forest is happy to offer our commercial clients a
tailor-made design and/or construction service that
provides unique treehouse hotel, luxury lodge and
eco lodge solutions.
We will work with clients to develop, design and deliver
innovative schemes that generate both commercial and
social value. To date the company has undertaken
projects from Borneo to Kenya and is working to
provide a truly comprehensive global service.

34 35

Our Approach. The Process. Deliver – Finally, we draft an

We work closely with our clients,
supporting them through all stages
of the development, design and
construction process.
We recognise that in many cases
initial budgets may be restricted
and costs need to be closely
monitored.
Our process is tailor-made to meet
the needs of each individual client,
whether it be a luxury eco-lodge
solution or an eco-friendly treehouse
complex.
Develop - At the development stage
we work with our clients to
formulate a clear design brief and to
assess the feasibility of the project.
Design – Following a site visit(s) and
survey we will ‘master plan’ the
approved set of designs. Where
appropriate we provide
architectural, engineering, project
management and procurement
services to drive the scheme
through planning and building
regulations to the construction
phase. Depending on the scheme we
can then provide the construction
expertise to take the project
through to completion.
In essence, we provide a coherent

Commercial
scheme, and deliver concept
and complete design, construction
designs. At all stages of the process
and management service that adds
we encourage client and stakeholder
value to our clients’ schemes.
participation.

Services For more information on our

commercial services please contact
commercial@blueforest.com
 Having obtained planning permission & building control
approval under challenging circumstances, Blue Forest
Ltd commenced construction on a groundbreaking new
project. It comes in the form of an innovative,
sustainable treehouse study centre, set on the Beaulieu
Estate in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire.
Blue Forest Ltd is proud to have taken a lead role in the
treehouse design and planning process for this
prestigious and inspirational project and, as the principal
construction contractor, has now brought about the
actual realisation of the treehouse study centre.
Our clients, the Countryside Education Trust (CET),
are a registered charity established in 1975. The CET’s
overall aim is to promote and operate courses, activities
and facilities which enable children and adults to learn
about, understand and care for the countryside,
drawing on the diverse resources of the New Forest
and the Beaulieu Estate.
The concept of replacing the original dilapidated
buildings once used to facilitate courses and activities
with an inspirational Treehouse centre was proposed
by The Solent Centre for Architecture and Design
(SCA+D). This followed an initial meeting between
SCA+D and Blue Forest Ltd in May 2006.
From that point, the development of the scheme has come
about by the joint efforts of the following organisations:
• Blue Forest Ltd
• Solent Centre for Architecture & Design
• New Forest National Park Authority
• Countryside Education Trust
• South East England Development Agency
• RIBA South East
• Forestry Commission
• Novoe Ltd
The purpose-built study spaces within the Treehouse
and its ancillary buildings are suitable for use
throughout the year, providing a stimulating
environment in which children from inner-city areas
can get close to nature and experience the range of
fieldwork activities which the CET offers.
Blue Forest Ltd are extremely excited by this new and
innovative project and are proud to offer our skills as
treehouse consultants for the project. Please check our
website for more details.

36 37

We are deligh ted that so many people will be

able to experience the wonders of the National
The Countryside Park in and around this amazing building.
Its superb natural design speaks volumes about
Education Trust the forest and how we can live in ways that
help preserve it for generations to com e.
Treehouse Study Centre Nigel Matthews, The New Forest National Park Authority’s Head of Visitor Services.
 Sensatori are a new generation of stylish hotels from
Thomson Holidays. The first hotel in this collection is
Sensatori Crete, which opened its doors in May 2008.
38
Treehouse
Play Area
Thomson Sensatori Hotel, Crete.
Blue Forest are proud to have offered our services for
the design and construction of a ‘Tropical Tree House’
play area complete with swings, slides, climbing walls
and monkey bars. In addition to the play area we have
designed and installed an outdoor ‘Sunshine Theatre’
suitable for a wide range of children’s entertainment.
The following case study outlines the concept designs
for the Royal Treehouse. A luxury, and environmentally
friendly tree top lodge development to be located in the
heart of the rainforest in the Imbak Canyon, Sabah,
Malaysian Borneo.
Architectural Design Brief: To design “the world’s most
exclusive and luxurious treehouse hotel, fit for kings
and queens.” This will be a complex of adventurous and
luxurious treehouses that will blend into their
surrounding environment, be suitable for a harsh
tropical climate and promote strict principles of
environmentally friendly design and construction.’
The Royal
Tree House
The Imbak Canyon is the last remaining untouched and
relatively unexplored area of Sabah. The region is
extraordinarily rich in biodiversity and home to a
multitude of flora and fauna. The proposed Royal
Treehouse will play a major role in ensuring the
continued conservation of the region by providing a
sustainable form of income generated by the forest to
combat the continual pressure of logging and
reclamation of land for agriculture.
39
By combining local construction techniques and
traditional craftsmanship with Blue Forest’s own
innovative treehouse structures, we have designed
stylish and opulent ‘living areas’ in the trees which
blend organically into their natural surroundings.
Guests will enjoy complete peace and privacy as the tree
rooms stand in their own small preserves of nature.

FAQs
Do Blue Forest only design and
build treehouses? No. Although we
primarily build treehouses we also
offer a full design and construction
service for clients interested in
building adventure play areas,
ground based eco-lodges and hide
aways of all kinds.
Do I need a mature tree to support
my treehouse? Not necessarily. The
structure can be supported on stilts
if the tree is not suitable or if the
trees are protected.
Is planning permission required?
This will depend largely on what
you are hoping to build, its location,
40 Where to go from here...
An initial consultation: We would
be delighted to arrange an initial
consultation at a convenient
time in order to:
• Listen to your ideas and ambitions
• Present a selection of previous
Blue Forest projects for your
interest.
• Discuss financial budgets.
• Discuss planning issues.
• Discuss and explain timescales
and logistics.
• Discuss the surrounding
environment and assess
suitable locations.
With regard to cost, we do not have a set price list as each treehouse and eco-lodge is unique.
For more information please contact the office:
Contact Information:
Phone: +44 (0) 1892 750 090 / 752 006
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 750 069
Email: info@blueforest.com
www.blueforest.com
Blue Forest Ltd, 1 Bensfield Farm Cottages,
Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6JR, UK
its size, the height of the structure
and what you intend to use it for.
We are very happy to offer advice
and guidance and if necessary act
as agents on your behalf during the
planning process.
How much will it cost? That’s entirely
up to you. Prices start around
£20,000 and the sky is the limit!
All Blue Forest treehouses are
bespoke which means we are unable
to give a definite price until we have
completed a full site survey.
However, we are happy to work
around your budget to ensure we
create the perfect treehouse for you.
Survey and Designs: Should you
wish to proceed from there, we
would undertake a comprehensive
site survey and complete a full set of
scaled designs. Besides scaled floor
plans and elevations, our designs
include fully rendered 3-dimensional
computer models of each structure,
providing a photo-realistic image of
the treehouse or eco-lodge before it
is built. Typically, the fee for our
design service is calculated at
between 4-6% of the estimated
construction cost of the project.
Design & production: www.gulpcreative.com
How long does it all take? The
process can take some time so it’s
always worth thinking ahead.
Firstly, a member of the team will
visit you to discuss your ideas and to
undertake a survey of the location.
Following this, we aim to provide
you with a full set of plans and an
itemised quotation within 3-4 weeks.
If you choose to proceed there can be
a wait of up to 3 months (depending
on the time of year) until we are able
to commence construction. On
average, construction takes between
6-8 weeks depending on the size of
your project.
A Comprehensive Quotation: Along
with our designs we will submit an
itemised quotation to supply and fit
your exclusive treehouse or
eco-lodge. This quotation will
include an estimated construction
time. If you wish to proceed, the
installation date would be confirmed
to you, in writing, upon receipt of
your deposit.
www.blueforest.com