Welcome to Buffalo Treehouse!

Founded in 2008 by visionary designer, artist, and builder Ricardo Rivera and his wife Jyl, Buffalo Treehouse has developed a track record of producing award-winning work that is defined by an unmatched level of detail, creativity, and craftsmanship.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about Buffalo Treehouse and the pride we take in producing one-of-a-kind structures, objects, and spaces that are truly awe-inspiring.

Residential

For the residential client, we specialize in designing and building custom:

  • Treehouses

  • Arbors

  • Play structures

  • Gazebos

  • Pergolas

Our residential Portfolio runs the gamut stylistically—from historic to modern, rustic to futuristic, and straightforward to ornate.

It should be noted that our treehouses are not just for the young, but also for the young at heart. While we certainly can—and do—create treehouses that cater to children, we also specialize in building spaces that can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. Check out our Facebook to learn more.

Commercial

In particular, we focus on commercial clients from the following sectors:

  • Real  Estate Development

  • Breweries and wineries

  • Private Schools

  • Non-profit organizations

  • Daycare Centers

  • Childrens Museums

  • Environmental Educational Centers

  • Municipalities

Our unique approach to design, coupled with our high-quality craftsmanship and natural building techniques lends itself to many different applications in the commercial sector. Whether you’re looking for a multi-generational treehouse attraction to install on your grounds, custom interior design work, or outdoor hardscapes, we have something to fit your need.

Custom art

Whether you are looking to compliment a larger project Buffalo Treehouse has undertaken, or just want that special something to make your property stand out, we work with select clients to create sculptures, custom furniture, and other unique pieces of functional art that are simultaneously backyard and gallery-ready.

While we typically reserve art commissions for clients that have engaged Buffalo Treehouse for other purposes, we encourage you to Contact Us if you have a specific project in mind.

 

The inspiration behind this project came from the client’s desire to create a lookout that would allow one to survey the entire property. The design was based off a Japanese style pagoda with a dragon scale roof and winding staircase that feels suspended in midair.

 

Height: 35' tall
Materials: larch, hemlock, yellow wood, white oak, birch and steel roof.
Features: 15 foot lookout over 20 acre estate, sleeping loft, vaulted ceilings, custom arch door, custom spiral stair case.

 

 
Custom treehouse with spiral staircase
Treehouse with arched doorway
Treehouse with spiral staircase
 

The inspiration behind this project was the discovery of a silo ladder being sold online that dictated the rest of the build. After explaining our desire to build a silo around the tree because the tree was not strong enough to support the load of a structure, the client revealed to us that as a child he worked on maintaining silos with his father. Truly serendipitous! 

 

Height: 23' tall
Materials: steel, cedar, yellow wood
Features - salvaged silo ladder, two-story play space, 5-tree zip line course, secret archer windows and hideout.

 

 
Cedar Silo with ladder
Tree going through Silo
Salvaged Silo Ladder
 

The inspiration for this project came from a boy named Gavin who has "loved treehouses his entire life" and came to us with multiple drawings he created detailing his “dream” treehouse. We took these drawings and created a structure that had all features he wanted with a few extras for mom and dad to enjoy as well, including a porch overlooking a 60’ ravine on the property

 

Height: 22' tall, 6' off the ground in front, 60' off the ground in the rear.
Materials: march, hemlock, yellow wood and steel
Features: 8' slide, upper sleeping loft, family living room, rear lookout 60' down to a ravine.

 

 
Treehouse with slide
Close-up wooden stairs to treehouse
Gavinoura treehouse distance shot in woods
 

Inspired by a wine barrel, this pergola was built for clients who own a vineyard in Dunkirk, NY. The objective was to create a shaded structure that when desired can be opened to allow natural light to enter the outdoor kitchen. The main frame is made of 8x8 treated posts and 6x12x26' treated beams. It features a louver roof that is actuated by an 1897 fruit press that when cranked rotates a 60:1 gear reducer that winds cables which pull the louvers up to desired position. The louvers are supported by 1/2 x 4" steel bands that have 210 hinges welded and attached to the 20' cedar boards that make up the roof canopy. When closed the pergola ceiling resembles the inside of a wine barrel. When viewed from above, the cloths resemble the shape of a grape leaf.

 

Dimensions - 16' height, 16' x 28'
Materials: Cedar, treated southern yellow pine, galvanized steel, sunbrella awning cloth
Features: Translucent sail cloths that shed water and also allow light to enter, over 1,500 custom made parts and pieces to make pergola function


 

 
Vineyard Pergola
Night shot of Pergola
Pergola in Fredonia New York
 

Here at Buffalo Treehouse our business is art. Outside of our general projects, clients have also commissioned artwork. Anything from sculptures, paintings, photography and the abstract. Our creative process is fluid, and we're always open to breaking new ground. 

Whether you're looking for something that is understated or bold, whimsical or traditional, we have the skill-set and design acumen to meet almost any need.

 

 
Carved wooden table and chairs
egg.jpg
chainsaw5.JPG
Pretzel outdoor sculpture
Carved wooden slab table
lit twig globe
Reclaimed Wood Twig Chandelier