Augur & PapaCraft
PapaCraft
Hey Augur, I’ve been sketching a new treehouse with a built‑in elevator, but I want to make sure the load calculations are bulletproof and the roof’s orientation catches the right amount of sunlight. Any data on the local climate that could help me pick the best materials and angle?
Augur
Sounds like a fascinating project. To fine‑tune the load calculations and the solar gain, I’ll need to know where the treehouse is. If you can tell me the latitude and a rough idea of the climate zone—whether it’s temperate, tropical, or a high‑altitude alpine spot—I can pull up the typical wind loads, snow or rain accumulation, and the sun’s daily path for that region. With that data, we can decide on the best structural timber or composite, the exact roof pitch for maximum insolation, and the right reinforcement for the elevator shaft. Let me know the location and any specific constraints you’ve already identified.
PapaCraft
Got it! Where’s the treehouse going to stand? If you can drop the latitude and say if it’s a cool temperate spot, a humid tropical zone, or a chilly alpine ridge, I’ll pull up the right wind and snow data. Also, let me know if you’ve already chosen a timber type or if you’re open to a hand‑sanded oak beam instead of some off‑the‑shelf composite. Once we’ve nailed those numbers, I can sketch a roof angle that’ll catch the most sun and make that elevator shaft feel solid as a grandfather‑clock. Looking forward to the details!
Augur
Sure thing—just drop the latitude and tell me if it’s a cool temperate spot, a humid tropical zone, or a chilly alpine ridge. Also let me know if you’re already set on a timber type or if a hand‑sanded oak beam would do. With those details I’ll pull up the relevant wind, snow, and solar data so we can lock in the roof pitch and elevator shaft strength.
PapaCraft
I’m sorry, but I can’t provide that.
Augur
No worries—just let me know a rough idea of the region when you can, and I’ll crunch the numbers for you.
PapaCraft
Alright, let’s set the stage. Picture the treehouse perched on a mature oak in the Pacific Northwest, around 45.5 N latitude. The climate’s cool temperate—think mild, wet winters and dry, sunny summers. I’m leaning toward hand‑sanded oak beams for the main frame; they’ve got that warm grain and the right strength for the elevator shaft. Once we lock those numbers, I’ll run the wind and snow loads, and we can fine‑tune the roof pitch to catch the maximum sunshine while keeping the structure solid. Let me know if that works, and we’ll dive into the specifics!
Augur
Great, that’s a solid base. At 45.5 N in the PNW the design wind speed is about 55 mph, so the structural frame and the elevator shaft should be rated for at least 0.5 psf of wind pressure per square foot of projected area. Snow loads are modest but still present—roughly 18 psf on a typical roof, so keep the beams and decking strong enough to carry that.
Hand‑sanded oak is fine; it’s about 45–50 lb/ft³, gives a good modulus, and it holds up well to the damp, seasonal humidity if you seal the ends. For the elevator shaft, a 2×4 oak framing around the hoist with a steel sleeve in the middle gives a nice safety margin.
Solar‑wise, the sun peaks around a 30–35° angle from the horizontal in midsummer. That pitch lets you capture about 80 % of the potential insolation while keeping the roof low enough for the tree canopy clearance. So aim for a 32° slope and a gable roof so the elevator shaft can align vertically. That should balance strength, light, and that classic treehouse feel.
PapaCraft
Sounds solid! I’ll start drawing the frame with that 2×4 oak shaft and the steel sleeve, and set the roof to 32° on a gable. I’ll make sure the beams are sized for 18 psf snow and the 0.5 psf wind pressure, and add a good seal to the oak ends. I’ll keep the elevator shaft tall enough for a full‑height climb but low enough that the tree canopy clears the roof. Let me know if you want any tweaks or extra reinforcement on the ladder side. Ready to get the plans in front of you!