For those looking for a forest retreat, Swedish architecture firm, Tham & Videgård Arkitekter, designed hotel rooms in the trees. The “tree hotels” are being constructed in northern Sweden, near the village of Harads.
Six of these units are planned for completion this year and will be managed by the Brittas Pensionat (a 21-bed hotel nearby) that will also offer additional services and support. According to the hotel’s Web site, the first unit is slated to open July 3, 2010.
Each unit is a lightweight aluminum structure hung around a tree trunk—a 4m×4mx4m box clad in mirrored glass. The exterior reflects the surroundings and the sky to create a camouflaged refuge. The interior is made of plywood and the windows give a 360° view.
Meant to accommodate two people, the units will contain a large bed, a kitchenette and bath, a living room, and roof terrace. Guest will be able to access the cabin by rope ladder or rope bridge.
Tham & Videgård Arkitekter has noted that the tree hotel concept meets an increasing interest in wildlife/eco-tourism where visitors can experience the pristine nature of Sweden. To prevent birds colliding with the tree hotels, a transparent ultraviolet color, which is visible to birds only, will be laminated into the glass panes.
