Aborescence

A tree house designed for a professional city couple seeking a break from busy urban life, creating a retreat that appreciates and connects with nature. The site sits in a picturesque landscape on the northeast coast of Australia, offering breathtaking views of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Nature is revealed in all its vastness, while the retreat itself remains modest and spiritual, an escape to paradise where one ascends to the tree tops, altering perception and quieting the mind.

The tree house features a main trunk and an arrangement of branched timbers forming a distinctive elevated crown, resembling a "Capitulum." The structure takes shape by mirroring the surrounding tree tops and seamlessly blending into the natural environment. The ten-metre elevated platform is supported by horizontal beams and four tree-like columns firmly planted in the ground, topped with a sloped copper roof designed to collect rainwater. Two on-site Eucalyptus trees act as secondary supports and connect the bridge, while floating support brackets allow the trees to sway in the wind without causing damage.

Eucalyptus Grandis (Rose Gum, or Flooded Gum) was selected for its high-grade quality, consistent grain, and ease of use. A fast-growing hardwood, it is particularly productive in forestry plantations grown in favourable environments.

To access the upper level, a spiral staircase leads to the tree tops, where a timber bridge connects to the main entrance. As one approaches, a captivating landscape begins to illuminate. Circulation, copper screens, and the elevated platform work harmoniously to create a powerful window to nature. Exposed timber and a central roof skylight give the interior an intriguing interplay of filtered light and shadow. Sleeping, resting, and meditation occur centrally, while services are arranged externally to support efficient use of space, unobstructed views, natural ventilation, and solar access.