Tiny Tree Houses

Your child is dreaming of a tree house, but you don't have the space, time, or resources to build one? Just think small — really small — as in dollhouse-size staircases and rope swings fit for a fairy.


Al Lofgren, a middle-school teacher in Durham, New Hampshire, came up with this scaled-down approach more than 15 years ago as a way to bring his own favorite childhood pastime within reach of every kid. His plans require only tree branches, a few basic craft supplies, and a lively imagination. Over the years, his fifth graders have built more than 2,000 of the whimsical hideaways, many of which are still proudly displayed in homes throughout the area. And each one is different, reflecting the unique creativity of its designer.

After showing his students how to build the basic structure, Lofgren sets out a large assortment of branches, easy-to-cut balsa wood, bits of fabric, pipe cleaners, string, and recyclable materials, then turns the students loose. "I try to stay out of their way as much as possible and allow them to try different solutions to problems they encounter," he says.

Along with learning construction techniques, the students keep journals about the process and about life as they imagine it in their creations (we've included some of their observations). They also build to scale — an inch for each foot — for math practice. As the photographs here show, their final results are often truly remarkable, featuring elaborate staircases, miniature lookout towers, elevators, and even outdoor hot tubs. Tiny as they are, the dwellings somehow manage to house the biggest dreams.


"The first thing I made was a building with a huge signpost. I was wicked obsessed with pigs, so I tried to make everything about pigs. My favorite was a pig I made out of wood and pink wire, and I made him a loft room. I even put a little TV in it and a mattress."


"It has a pulley thing on the roof. I wanted it big enough for my hamster to go in it. He hasn't gone in it yet."


"My favorite part is the little blue A, because it stands for my name. I like my palm tree too. When I was trying to make the bridge, it was really hard because I had to take the stick and glue it on, and I had to flip my tree house upside down to put the rest of the bridge on."


"I was thinking maybe I could build a place for ants so they would have a place to live. It took me a long time to make the ladder, and it leads to the bedroom, which has a pretty view of everything."


"I wanted a hangout place with a hammock and everything. I made stairs going up the winding vine to the top of the house. I have a bird, and he hangs out on it and swings and goes up the winding steps."