Wondering if tiny house living is right for you? Or perhaps not? Those seeking answers can find them in Wuppertal. Nestled in lush surroundings along a quiet residential street just 2.5 kilometers from the city center, the "1Step2AllStars Treehouse" offers a comfortable overnight retreat. Complete with mountain views, terrace, balcony, and air conditioning. Designed like a hotel room, the tiny house is accessible via 50 steps from the parking area. And inside? Guests will discover a bedroom with a double bed, a kitchenette, a sitting area with comfortable armchairs and table, a loft level with a reading nook, and a fully equipped bathroom with shower and toilet. All of this within a compact 21 m².

The "Treehouse," which appears to hover over the sloping property on slender stilts, was designed and built by Wuppertal architect Ingo Hanel. Striking is the black aluminum façade, wrapped with delicate gold-tinted aluminum bands totaling 733 meters in length. "The treehouse was meant to function as a work of art, expressing something special while protecting what lies within," explains façade specialist Mike Fleischer, who oversaw the design and implementation of the exterior shell. Drawing inspiration from nature, the cladding resembles a silk cocoon, its threads weaving a protective envelope around the life within. While the seven-meter-long longitudinal side is largely spanned with aluminum bands, the prominent gable face at the front—featuring a 4.52-meter-high window—remains open. The black frame emphasizes the window opening distinctly. The rear section of the house, which accommodates the bathroom, can be shaded with two sliding elements to create an appealing interplay of light. Inside, the house is clad with untreated spruce wood, radiating warmth, tranquility, and abundant coziness. This inviting and refined atmosphere is further enhanced by various dimmable lighting options. "My girlfriend Simone Jung, a trained interior designer, and I have realized a dream with this tiny house," says builder Jens Grabowski, continuing: "We've been traveling extensively for years, and through that, we discovered our passion for hosting guests." His recommendation for the Wuppertal accommodation, which can be booked through standard reservation portals? "Simply lie in bed, take in the expansive views of the forest across the way or over the city, and let the evening unfold."

Photos:
Ralf Dieter Bischoff
ralfdieterbischoff.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|24)