British luxury treehouse builder Blue Forest, the same firm responsible for the Quiet Treehouse and Eco-PERCH, recently unveiled its plan to construct a low-impact vacation home development in the UK. Dubbed Nesting, the project features bird nest-shaped treehouses that include energy-efficient lighting, heating, and insulation.
Nesting is due to be located in Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, and in addition to 22 bird nest-shaped treehouses, will also feature 28 timber lodges and 40 glamping tents. Each is designed with a view to minimizing the impact on the existing landscape.
"The scale of the proposed buildings enables them to fit within the existing landscape, subservient to the existing and proposed mature trees and bushes," Blue Forest CEO Simon Payne told Gizmag. "The height at which the tree houses are set has been adjusted to suit the adjacent tree canopy levels, in order that they do not break to upper tree line. Their curved form also assist them to blend in with their natural setting."
The design of the treehouses is inspired by the nest of the Weaver bird. They will be prefabricated using sustainably-sourced timber and clad in Western Red Cedar Shingle, which will age over time as it comes into contact with the elements. The treehouses will be elevated on stilts or supported on small concrete pads situated outside of root protection zones.
With a view to reducing energy use, the treehouses will sport walls between 150 - 300 mm (6 - 11.8-in) thick and feature ample insulation. Lighting will come in the form of energy-efficient LED lighting and an air-source heat pump will be installed to warm the interior.
While the interior plans of the treehouses have not been finalized, Payne told Gizmag that there will be two basic types. The smaller will be a double bed unit, while a larger version will sleep four. Both will feature an open plan lounge area and small balcony, en-suite bathroom and small tea/coffee area.
A planning application was recently submitted and, all being well, Blue Forest hopes to have the first phase of the development operational in early 2018. East London-based architecture firm Tate Harmer is also working on the project.
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