Treehaus NYC: A High-End Eatery for Urban Foraging

Introducing Treehaus: Where Food, Art, and Found Objects Coexist

Treehaus is not your typical restaurant. From the outside, there are no visible signs of food. Instead, the space is adorned with architectural and sculptural pieces, scattered throughout the interior. Guests are invited to search and engage with these elements, discovering their food in the process.

The design of Treehaus revolves around three main components that envelop the food and other eatery functions. The first element consists of 75 pieces of 20-foot-high cedar wood planks, slightly angled away from the main entrance to hide the register from the exterior. This clever design choice adds an element of surprise and intrigue for guests.

The second element is a sculptural white rectangular vessel, strategically placed to hide the variety of foods stored inside. The vessel's walls face the entry and storefront, creating a sense of mystery and discovery as guests navigate the space.

The third element is a sub-element of the vertical cedar piece, featuring a series of angled wood planks installed on the mezzanine. This element not only adds visual interest but also acts as a buffer, concealing an eating area located on the upper floor.

All three elements were developed using raw materials, with minimal treatment and cuts. This approach allows for natural aging and aligns with the theme of an urban foraging site, where the focus is on the authenticity of the experience.

Treehaus spans an impressive 10,041 square feet, providing ample space for guests to explore and engage with the design elements. The spatial organization is carefully crafted to guide people through the open space, encouraging urban foraging and the instinctive approach of finding food.

During the design process, the team faced the challenge of convincing the client to reduce the number of menu options. After thorough research and consideration, the client agreed to this approach. The revised menu not only increased consumer satisfaction and food quality but also improved the efficiency of the food production process, making the one-hour lunch rush more manageable.

Treehaus NYC is a testament to the power of innovative design and the integration of art, architecture, and food. It offers a unique and rewarding experience for urban foragers, combining culinary delights with a visually stunning environment.

Photo Credit: Christophe Randall

Awards and Accolades: Treehaus NYC was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2015 for Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award recognizes the exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and innovation demonstrated by the design. Treehaus NYC stands out for its remarkable level of excellence and its ability to evoke positive emotions and wonder in its visitors.