This huge nest with a retractable staircase by Swedish designers
Inredningsgruppen forms part of a hotel in the trees in northern Sweden.
Part of the Tree Hotel, The Bird’s Nest is supported by existing trees and the exterior is covered in twigs.
The inside is covered with wooden panels throughout, with small round windows partially covered by the twigs outside.
25 rooms are planned for the site in the next five years.
This concept is based upon the contrast between exterior and interior. From the outside it appears as a big nest, only the scale separating it from other nests in the vicinity. Discreet windows are almost hidden by the network of branches.
Inside it’s a high standard room with modern design. A coachwork panel decorates the inner wall. There is space and beds for a family with two children. The bedroom is a separate room with sliding doors. You access the nest by a retractable staircase.
Year built: 2010
Here are some photographs of the completed Tree Hotel by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, a mirrored glass box suspended round the trunk of a tree in Harads, northern Sweden.
The 4x4x4 metre cube is accessed by rope bridge and reflects the surrounding forest and sky.
The hotel was opened to the public in July 2010.
Photographs are by Åke E:son Lindman
The information that follows is from Tham & Videgård Arkitekter:
Tree hotel in Harads (2008-2010)
A tree hotel in the far north of Sweden, near the small village of Harads, close to the polar circle. A shelter up in the trees; a lightweight aluminium structure hung around a tree trunk, a 4x4x4 meters box clad in mirrored glass.
The exterior reflects the surroundings and the sky, creating a camouflaged refuge.
The interior is all made of plywood and the windows give a 360 degree view of the surroundings.
The construction also alludes to how man relates to nature, how we use high tech materials and products when exploring remote places in harsh climates (Gore-tex, Kevlar, composite materials, light weight tents etc).
The functions included provides for a living for two people; a double bed, a small bath room, a living room and a roof terrace.
Access to the cabin is by a rope bridge connected to the next tree.
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 tree hotel in Harads focuses on wild life-/eco tourism where one encounters and experiences the pristine nature of Sweden.