Architecture

Roost and Inhabit concept homes are at one with nature

Roost and Inhabit concept homes are at one with nature
Roost and Inhabit are both designed to blend fully into their natural surroundings
Roost and Inhabit are both designed to blend fully into their natural surroundings
View 15 Images
Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
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Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
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Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
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Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
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Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
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Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
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Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
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Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
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Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
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Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
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Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath
Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
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Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
Roost and Inhabit are both designed to blend fully into their natural surroundings
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Roost and Inhabit are both designed to blend fully into their natural surroundings
Roost comprises several pod-like capsules
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Roost comprises several pod-like capsules
Roost Treehouse is designed to blend fully into its natural surroundings
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Roost Treehouse is designed to blend fully into its natural surroundings
Roost comprises several pod-like capsules
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Roost comprises several pod-like capsules
View gallery - 15 images

An increasing number of homes are being built to blend in with their location more fully and offer a way of life in tune with nature. However, two concept homes designed by Antony Gibbon go further than this, by promising a comfortable and elegant dwelling which doesn’t just blend in, but almost becomes part of the local surroundings.

Roost comprises several pod-like capsules. These capsules are harnessed to the trunk of each tree using a nondestructive bracing technique, which still allows the trees to live and grow.

Roost Treehouse is designed to blend fully into its natural surroundings
Roost Treehouse is designed to blend fully into its natural surroundings

Each capsule that makes up the discreet dwelling has a central staircase leading to an outdoor platform. This allows the resident to enjoy the surrounding nature – which is the main point of such an unusual abode, after all. The outdoor platforms also serve as a connection to the next pod, and add some additional structural support.

A pod sleeps up to two people and an exterior platform situated far above the tree canopy affords panoramic views of the landscape. Access to the network of pods is gained by just one staircase which leads back to the forest floor.

Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon
Both homes were designed by Antony Gibbon

The more contemporary and spacious Inhabit home is inspired by geometric forms, and can be erected in various ways so as to best suit the land. Access to the stilted structure is gained via a trapdoor underneath.

Inhabit lets in lots of natural light
Inhabit lets in lots of natural light

Inhabit can sleep between four and six people, depending on the design implemented. In addition to comforts like a wood-burning stove and rugs, the home makes use of ample natural light via expansive windows.

Alas, both the Roost and Inhabit are still yet to be produced, but the designer seeks a commission to bring them into being.

Source: Antony Gibbon Designs via Inhabitat

View gallery - 15 images
12 comments
12 comments
Tony Johnson
What about lightening strikes? Great idea and would love 1. Maybe have a collector that charges batteries when lightening hits? Solar? Lots of ideas but would love 1 anyway.
Slowburn
The way trees move in the wind will destroy any treehouse that is inflexibly mounted to two or more trees or even two widely separated branches in one tree.
GrantH
Slowburn, I think that wouldn't be quite right. I think the term "tree house" is a little misleading. An actual house, in a tree or on the ground, will be close to, or even more than 100 tones. The stresses involved should be quite manageable with either support beams or something performing that function. Obviously, any house, on the ground or in a tree, can potentially be damaged by wind if the wind is strong enough. And I understand why you say what you do. But the structure wouldn't be fragile, not like a "tree house" built for kids to camp out in in the back yard.
BigGoofyGuy
I think it is really cool. It shows - IMO - that one can live among the trees without having to give up some 'comforts' of home.
Slowburn
re; GrantH
If the rigid structure is strong enough the damage will be done to the tree. I have seen it happen both ways but I have also seen a tree house with flexible mounts that has lasted decades.
Gene Jordan
It's a nice concept and all. The views would be fantastic. However, it's not very practical. Nearly every time I'm going to and from the outside world, I find myself lugging several items. The thought of lugging groceries and such up to those houses just stuns me. I guess it's not for everyone or perhaps it could be used as a vacation home away from home. Even then, you'd still be lugging things into it. Great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
Jack Sprat
These are simple problems to overcome. Trees do move in the wind, so build a couple of bedrooms in one, a flexible bridge to the kitchen/great room. Toting food, etc, up a long ladder is no fun, so rig up your own one person elevator with secure platform and pulleys. Use a counter weight that carries most of your weight and small dc motor for movement, which can recover power on the way down, minimal power use.
Gargamoth
I'd like to see one of these tree houses servive a hurricane, That would be a good test of engineering. Maybe city and state governments should start planting taller and thicker tress, Imagine a city of redwoods country wide..
Downed Biker
The tree house looks fantastic but im sorry to say it would only last one season in Australia as the first bushfire through the area would devastate it even built out of fire proof materials it would still destroy any thing in it
Gary Richardson
Energy harvested from wind and movement can be used to store energy hydraulically or mechanically. This energy can then run an elevator and perform other functions.
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