The Floating Treehouse in Oregon — Engineered by Treehouse Supplies

Design Render by Bryan Perez at Tree Top Builders

 

When Dennis and Marlene Grant (owners of Parrett Mountain Cellars, a small winery in Newberg, Oregon), set out to build an elevated platform between two towering Douglas Firs, they imagined more than just a treehouse — they envisioned a floating platform that felt sculptural and natural all at once.

To make this vision real, they turned to Treehouse Supplies—and specifically, Joe Salinas, our lead engineer and hardware specialist.

 

Initial design concept submitted by client

 

The Challenge: Defying Gravity with Design

The project presented a unique combination of design and structural challenges:

• A wide span between trees, requiring nontraditional framing.

• No ground posts, to preserve the pristine forest floor and create a floating appearance.

• A curved walkway bridge, demanding precise load balancing and integration.

With these parameters, the Grants needed more than an off-the-shelf solution—they needed someone who could engineer around nature, not against it. That’s where Joe Salinas stepped in.

 

Our Solution: Custom Hardware and Smart Design

As Project Engineer at Treehouse Supplies, Joe Salinas personally led the consultation, design strategy, and hardware selection for this ambitious build.

From the first client call, Joe understood the importance of integrating the structure into the natural environment—and keeping it lightweight, safe, and strong.

 

 

Joe’s approach included:

• Custom HD TAB System Design: Joe introduced our latest Heavy Duty Tree Attachment Bolts, engineered specifically to handle long spans with minimal movement.

• Deck Suspension Strategy: By designing the deck to “float” off just a few key anchor points, he eliminated the need for heavy substructures or obstructive supports.

• Load and Displacement Modeling: Joe created a fully engineered plan detailing horizontal and vertical load tolerances, giving the clients and contractors complete confidence in the safety and performance of the build.

“We had to eliminate not just structural load on the deck, but the need for multiple supports underneath. Our system allowed the platform to appear as if it were hovering in the forest.” – Joe Salinas, P.E., Treehouse Supplies

 

A fully engineered plan detailing horizontal and vertical load tolerances made it possible to suspend the deck and create a stunning floating structure in this beautiful setting

 

Building with Confidence: Local Crew, Expert Support

While the final build was executed onsite by Baptiste Construction LLC, Joe and the Treehouse Supplies team provided ongoing remote engineering support, including:

• Detailed structural documentation and hardware placements.

• Consultation with the local contractors throughout the install.

• Troubleshooting design adaptations to meet the unique tree geometry.

 

Final build was executed onsite by Baptiste Construction LLC

 

This close collaboration ensured that the structure met both the aesthetic goals and structural safety standards, without compromise. Remarkably, the project went from concept to completion in just a year - Marlene contacted Treehouse Supplies in May 2024 and the Treehouse was opened in Spring 2025.

 

By designing the deck to “float” off just a few key anchor points, Treehouse Supplies engineer Joe Salinas eliminated the need for heavy substructures or obstructive supports.

 

The Outcome: An 'Upside Down' Treehouse That Floats

Now complete, The Floating Treehouse appears to have grown right out of the trees. The curved walkway rises to meet a large, open deck—seemingly suspended midair thanks to the precision-engineered support system.

 

Finish work was done using cedar trees felled and milled on PMC's own property

 

Joe’s leadership and technical ingenuity were central to making this project possible. His ability to translate lofty ideas into engineered realities is exactly what sets Treehouse Supplies apart.

“The platform feels like it floats. It’s magical. We never imagined it would come out this beautifully. Joe made it all possible.” – Dennis Grant

 

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Ready to Build Your Dream?

 

Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard treehouse or a multi-tree masterpiece like The Floating Treehouse a Parrett Mountain Cellars, Joe and the Treehouse Supplies team are ready to help.

Explore our industry-leading Treehouse Attachment Bolts, or contact us to schedule a custom consultation with our engineering team.