Ep 5. Levitating Lighthouse

In Treehouse Masters season 2 episode 5, entitled "Levitating Lighthouse," Pete Nelson and his crew create a unique and awe-inspiring treehouse inspired by a lighthouse. Located in a beautiful forest, the team must build a structure that appears to float in the air, giving the illusion that it is levitating.

The episode begins with a meeting between Pete and his clients, a couple who have dreamt of owning a lighthouse and living in the trees. The couple shows Pete a miniature model of the lighthouse they envision, and Pete immediately recognizes the potential for the project. He is excited to bring together his design skills, the natural beauty of the landscape, and creative engineering solutions to make this dream a reality.

With the clients' vision in mind, Nelson and his team begin the process of designing and constructing the treehouse. They face several challenges in the process, including determining how to create the illusion of the structure floating in the air, designing the beacon on top of the lighthouse, and figuring out how to incorporate a working elevator into the structure.

The first major obstacle in the build is figuring out how to "float" the lighthouse. Nelson and his team brainstorm different methods for achieving this effect, such as using a cantilevered design or suspending the treehouse with cables. Ultimately, the team decides to create a custom bracket system that attaches to the tree and provides a secure and stable foundation for the structure.

Once the foundation is in place, Nelson and his team begin constructing the lighthouse itself. Using a combination of reclaimed wood and new materials, they build a structure that looks like a classic lighthouse, complete with a functioning beacon at the top. They also incorporate a spiral staircase that leads up to a beautiful platform where the clients can enjoy views of the surrounding forest.

One of the most exciting and challenging aspects of the build is the custom elevator that the team creates. The clients want to be able to move between the Living Area and the Beacon Room with ease, so Nelson and his team design a beautiful glass elevator that runs up the middle of the lighthouse. Getting the elevator installed takes considerable time and effort, but the end result is worth it, as it provides an amazing experience for the clients.

Throughout the build, Nelson and his team face a number of challenges, including weather delays, unexpected obstacles, and design changes requested by the clients. Despite these challenges, they work tirelessly to complete the project on time and on budget.

In the end, the finished treehouse is nothing short of spectacular. It is a masterpiece of engineering and design, combining the classic beauty of a lighthouse with the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. The clients are thrilled with the finished product, and Nelson and his team are proud to have created something truly unique and special.

With its beautiful design, creative engineering solutions, and stunning location, "Levitating Lighthouse" is an episode of Treehouse Masters that is not to be missed. It demonstrates the incredible talent and creativity of Pete Nelson and his crew, and showcases the amazing things that can be accomplished when imagination, design, and engineering come together.