Located just outside of downtown Los Angeles, CA, the Banyan Treehouse is a compact home design that blends an art studio and sanctuary.  Overlooking downtown Los Angeles, the project is not literally a tree house but rather a modern interpretation of one. The layout and design pays respect to the pre-existing tree by shaping itself around the contours of the trunk. Inside the house, a single glass cut out in the floor reconnects the tree house inhabitant to the tree itself. The project was designed to be completely self-sufficient with a water closet, fireplace, refrigerator, daybed, television, and outside private shower. Different from the tree houses we grew up playing in to say the least.  What do you think?