The Tree Hotel by Swedish firm Tham & Videgård Arkitekter is a shelter up in the trees in the form of a lightweight aluminium structure hung around a tree trunk. The 4x4x4m box is clad in mirrored glass. The exterior reflects the surroundings and the sky, creating a camouflaged refuge. The interior is made of plywood and the windows give a 360 degree view.
The treehouse for two people features a large bed, a small kitchenette and bath, a living room and roof terrace. The access to the cabin is by rope ladder or rope bridge. In order to prevent birds colliding with the reflective glass, a transparent ultraviolet colour is laminated into the glass panes, which are visible for birds only.
The architects derived inspiration for the eco based design hotel concept from the documentary film ‘Trädälskaren’, meaning Treelover, by Jonas Selberg Augustsen. It is the story of three men from the urban environment who look to get back to their roots by building a tree house together. It is a philosophical film about what ‘the tree’ means to humans, both historically and culturally. The architects have expanded the idea into a hotel, with the added dimension of innovative modern design.
