Ecocoon Treehouse Concept

Ecocoon Treehouse Concept

Ecocoons are an eco retreat variation on the treehouse by London based architect Mathieu Collos.

His design features a split level floorspace with different wall and floor orientations intended to optimize views and the interestness of the space. This also permits the use of full sized opening panels for terraced viewing and ventilation in the warmer months.

A single tree trunk is the foundation of the design, and is included as an interior element like a rough and rounded wall. The pentagonal structure of the cocoon is made from insulated panels with fiberglass or metal exteriors. Like in my previous post, this choice of materials can be lightweight and durable for a minimal impact on the tree.

The structure is hung with steel cables from branches above it, however no details on the precise mounting method. Another point of criticism I have is that the tree trunck looks to have a gasket around where it meets the roof. This is a no win design choice: It is impossible to make a seal between the trunck and a roof that stops the weather. The bark is an irregular soggy sponge that continuously expands over time, and if the seal bites into the bark deeply, the tree will die.

I like the concept and the design, but I'd situate it in two or more trees to make it more realistic year-round lodging option.

Reflective Skin Treehouse

Reflective Skin Treehouse

New computer generated images of the Harad's tree hotel designed by Sweden's Tham & Videgard Hansson Arkitekter have been released.

The Harad's is an aluminum skinned cube set in a single tree. The choice of exterior materials makes sense: aluminium is light weight, weather resistant, and can be polished to a mirror shine.

This reflective characteristic of the skin makes it blend in with the environment much like a hunting blind. I would expect it will provide a great views of the local wildlife and stay cool in the hot summer months.

The plan calls for a small kitchen, terrace, living area and sleeping area. The bathroom will likely be located on the ground somewhere nearby -- a situation common for most treehouses.

My own impression is that there is a stark visual contrast between the pure abstract form of the silver cube with the surrounding forest. I'd be interested to see what lessons are learned from this prototype and if the idea can be applied to building treehouses with more organic curves and rounded shapes.