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Learn with David Parfitt

How to Build a Treehouse

Learn how to build your own treehouse - taught by visual artist David Parfitt.

Course overview

In the first week, we'll understand how to choose a suitable tree, the principles of attaching structures to trees, and ways to approach designing a treehouse, the creative process, understanding safety, how to design and beginning the construction process for building the perfect treehouse.

Meet David Parfitt

I'm a visual artist who specialises in site-specific sculpture and public art projects. Based in Sussex, UK, my activities include the design, production and project management of a range of forms unlimited by materials, but considerate of place. I enjoy emphasising the social and collaborative aspects of contemporary visual arts practise, and am a consultant, lead artist or initiator on a wide variety of projects with clients such as; multi-national corporations, local authorities, community groups and individuals. You're probably here to take my treehouse course. They are just beautiful things aren't they? And I look forward to taking you through the process and working with you on your project.

Course description

David Parfitt teaches you how to build a treehouse - from designs to site (or tree) selection and practical building techniques.

The course covers the planning, technology and simple principles needed to design a treehouse that meets your needs, along with ideas and practical skills that will enable you to build it. During this course David will teach you the skills to make a basic treehouse, one that will be adaptable enough for your tree to make its own, and for you to elaborate on to make a glorious treehouse. You will also be shown ways to tackle most of the situations that you are likely to meet.

You'll look at creative ways to customise your treehouse, and cover design considerations, making platforms for different tree types, materials, fastenings and safety issues.

As you learn you'll be designing your own treehouse, including selecting a tree trunk or multiple tree trunks, planing the platform and support beams and adding access ladders and entry points.

You'll learn:
  • how to choose a suitable tree for your treehouse
  • sketching design plans
  • planning your platform
  • using beams, joists and access points for safety and functionality
  • how to create a treehouse that spans multiple trees
The course includes:
  • 4 on-demand video lessons - presented by David Parfitt
  • lifetime access to the videos, notes and interactive class
  • flexible classes - join and learn when and where you like
  • downloadable lesson notes
  • practical treehouse design projects (with tutor feedback available)
  • access on your mobile, PC, Mac or laptop
  • small interactive online classroom - chat online to students from around the world and share your creative ideas
Time to complete the how to build a treehouse course:

Every student is different but in general we think the whole course will take around 9 hours 15 minutes to complete including:

  • Video lessons: 1 hour 15 minutes in total
  • Course notes: 30 minutes per lesson
  • Your planting design projects: at least 1 hour per lesson
  • Interactive classroom time: 15 minutes per lesson
  • Tutor feedback review (Expert level): 15 minutes per lesson
You'll need:

You'll be creating your own treehouse designs throughout the course, so you'll be choosing a tree as the base, sketching your treehouse platform and design features and working out how to secure your treehouse.

Ready to get started?

Just add the course to your basket above - choose the 'Expert' option for personal feedback from David on your treehouse.

If you know someone who'd love this course then give it as a gift - just tick "This is a gift" at the checkout.

Any questions? Contact us by clicking on the orange speech symbol - we'd love to hear from you.