Job done

Yellow’s ambitious advertising campaign to build a real restaurant ten metres high in a redwood tree has been completed. The occasion was marked with a traditional ‘roof party’ for the project’s suppliers – all of whom were found through Yellow.

The striking pod-shaped structure will open to the public for a limited time from 9 January to 9 February 2009, and restaurant guests will be hosted by the face of the campaign, Tracey Collins (pictured).

But why a restaurant in a tree? Yellow Marketing Director Kellie Nathan explains that the advertising campaign set out to surprise people and help them see Yellow in a different light.

“We’ve had lots of people questioning whether the treehouse is for real because it is an ad campaign. Well, having eaten at the restaurant myself, I can assure people that Tracey, the tree, and the restaurant are very real.

“We wanted to prove that just about any mission could be completed using Yellow – the book, online or mobile. And I think we’ve done that!”

Ms Nathan says the campaign website has generated a lot of interest, with Tracey’s blog receiving over 110,000 hits to date.

Inspired by nature, the treehouse’s stunning design is by Peter Eising of Pacific Environment Architects, and has attracted international interest.

“I haven’t designed a treehouse since my childhood, let alone built a restaurant in one. I’ve been amazed at the interest from media and the design community overseas and, now that it’s completed, I’m really proud of the way it’s turned out.”

The restaurant has taken 500 bookings since Monday. Bookings for the restaurant can be made at www.yellowtreehouse.co.nz

Suppliers to the Yellow treehouse project:

Project Managers: The Building Intelligence Group – Gareth Skirrow, Blair Wolfgram, Joe Holden
Architects: Pacific Environments Architects – Peter Eising & Lucy Gauntlett
Engineers: Holmes Consulting – Chris MacKenzie & John Worth, Martin Feeney – Holmes Fire
Building Contractors: NZ Strong – Shane Brealey, Paddy Molloy, Megan Roberts; Citywide Construction Ltd - Jim Bellamy

Timber Fins: McIntosh Timber Laminates – Owen Griffiths, Sandy Sandiford
Lighting: ECC Lighting & Furniture – Renee Kelly

Equipment hire: Hirequip

Crane: NZ Access - John Morrow

Eathmoving: C&L Sorenson - Carl Sorenson

Timber: Timberworld

Hardware: Master Trade

Restaurant fit out: Carlton Party Hire

Catering: Dawsons - Graham Dawson