Holiday Destinations

Blue Forest hatches nest-shaped treehouse development

Blue Forest hatches nest-shaped treehouse development
The plan is to have the first phase of the development operational in early 2018
The plan is to have the first phase of the development operational in early 2018
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Nesting is slated for the Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, UK
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Nesting is slated for the Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, UK
In addition to its 22 birds nest-shaped treehouses, the proposal also calls for 28 timber lodges and 40 glamping tents
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In addition to its 22 birds nest-shaped treehouses, the proposal also calls for 28 timber lodges and 40 glamping tents
The plan is to have the first phase of the development operational in early 2018
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The plan is to have the first phase of the development operational in early 2018
Architectural drawing of the treehouses
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Architectural drawing of the treehouses
The Western Red Cedar Shingle cladding will weather over time
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The Western Red Cedar Shingle cladding will weather over time
The treehouses draw design cues from the nest of the Weaver bird
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The treehouses draw design cues from the nest of the Weaver bird
The treehouses draw design cues from the nest of the Weaver bird
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The treehouses draw design cues from the nest of the Weaver bird
View gallery - 7 images

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."

Nesting is slated for the Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, UK
Nesting is slated for the Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, UK

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.

Source: Blue Forest

View gallery - 7 images
4 comments
4 comments
Bob Flint
The weaver bird build their nests hanging from the tips of small branches for a reason. These shingle clad bulbous drooping helmets on twisted stilts neither resemble natures creations, nor blend into the landscape. With no visible means to get to these perches, are we now suppose to fly up? By the way bathrooms, plumbing, power? Are they running inside those wooden legs???
Assuming a hidden ladder, the minimal foot print will render the unwitting occupants to the ground before their tea gets cold, especially those ignorant ones on the balconies.
In slide 2 the guy with roller blades says it all, do you see any realistic area to actually skate?
Wicked B
Reminds me of the tree house inspired by a beehive and featured on Animal planet. http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/treehouse-masters/videos/behind-the-build-beehive-treehouse/
unklmurray
Well,Bob what planet are you from?Don't you know....we will B using a "Transporter"(like the one on "Star Trek.nxt gen.)to transport N2 the little absurd "Nests?"where did you see a guy w/roller blades??Like Star Trek this is the future they don't need bathrooms.......their modern clothing absorbs all the excrement/liquids so using a bathroom is not needed!!
Buzzclick
The concept is basically a dome with a peak, which has a natural and pleasant blend to the surrounding landscape. The issues of accessibility and toilets are just small details, but the merit of the idea is what counts.
I just hope that there's an opening hatch at the top to work with another at the bottom to provide natural circulation.