Tree houses are buildings constructed among the branches or next to the trunk of one or more mature trees, and are raised above the ground. Tree houses can be built for recreation or permanent habitation. Generally, the term “tree fort” is used only for recreational structures and not permanent homes. In this post you can see the 8 of the most amazing tree houses ever built. The 4TreeHouse was designed by Lukasz Kos masters student at the University of Toronto’s School of Architecture & Design. Posing as a Japanese lantern on stilts, Kos’ creation floats within the fir trees on Lake Muskoka, Ontario, an elegant slatted structure that scales the trees and lets light radiate down it’s core. The project was an exercise in minimizing impact to the trees, site, and nature itself. A swing was suspended from the four trees, forming the structural foundation for the tree house. The result is a delicate balance between the slat wall enclosure and the swaying trees. The tall, tube-like structure allows for visitors to ascend up along with the trees. Lukasz Kos is a cofounder of Testroom, a Toronto-based architecture and design firm. - Via - Inhabitat