March 31, 2010
As we continue to chug away with schematic plans and concepts for the Canopy Homes for Isla Palenque, I find myself turning to the endless design inspiration available online. How convenient to stumble upon a treehouse hotel this afternoon. Inspired by the documentary film Trädälskaren (Treelover) in which three men from an urban environment build a treehouse together to seek their roots and explore what “tree” means for human beings in history and culture.
After filming, the treehouse was left standing and those who watched the documentary started to visit and request to rent the house. The popularity grew and a hotel was born consisting of 6 different tree houses ranging in design and style. Suites range from a human-size bird’s nest, which is actually made up of thatched sticks, to a large suspended mirrored cube with 360-degree panoramic forest views. The hotel, located in Harads, Sweden, has a goal to design and build 24 more tree rooms over the next 5 years.
In conclusion, a trip to Harads, Sweden might be in order… or perhaps a trip to the burbs in search of a childhood treehouse with signage on the door that reads, “No Girls Allowed,” although ideally, both… In the meantime, I’ll just have to settle for renting the documentary from Netflix. My suggestion for you? Hug a tree, because who knows – you might be living in one soon!
