Designed to accommodate 4 people (it measures 64m2), Treehouse C was built in Penestanan, 15-minute by walk from Ubud, in Bali. A village where the standard of living is high and the possibility of enjoying the peaceful atmosphere full of natural energy was already clear long ago: in the Thirties, in fact, was nicknamed the Artists' Village.

Architecture that enriches the landscape

Already from the images the mind flies. But she is immediately captured by the details of the project: from interior design to structural logic, Treehouse C is intriguing both for architecture experts and for anyone who espouses a holistic vision. The tree house is in fact not only set in the green Balinese nature, but contributes to enrich it. Inseparably linked to the territory, the surroundings cannot be considered without understanding it and vice versa, as if to create a system.

How do you build a tree house?

It took only four months to build this XL-size Treehouse. The supporting element, explains Gungmas Larasati, head of project management of Stilt Studios, consists of a massive central body composed by four vertical columns resting on the ground, which support the entire weight of the structure. To this, lateral reinforcements, steel cables and 8 beams extending from the central core to the base of the floor of the house have been added and a wooden staircase that also acts as an access to the house, as a guarantee of greater durability.

The solid base was designed with the aim of leaving space for the façade and the upper structural elements: the façade is slender and the frames that frame the windows are of minimal thickness, precisely to visually convey the feeling of suspension of the home. As tradition has it, it is a real tree house.

More wood and man-made materials to a minimum

The Stilt Studios team specializes in the design of treehouses: Treehouse C is in fact the third prototype they make, more contemporary and, at the same time, avant-garde. A challenge translated into the highest percentage of wood used to build the project. Less artificial materials.

The suspended interiors

The interiors are organized in a traditional style, but in suspension (and with a view). The kitchen and the living area are separated by a large bedroom with living room characterized by natural tones that reflect the basic design scheme. The two areas communicate through the bathroom, introduced by sliding doors and organized with maximum optimization in four small areas dedicated to four different moments of daily well-being. Excluding the bathroom fixtures, accessories such as door handles and the kitchen counter, everything, really everything, is made of wood.

Architecture as an immersive experience

The experience is immersive in the most essential meaning of the term: the house is surrounded by nature. The rice fields border a garden carefully designed by the garden design True Nature Nusantara studio, which specializes in applying the principles of permaculture to create edible landscapes. The director, Bodhi Denton, says: "The goal of this garden was to create a labyrinth romantic and wild at the same time, made up of plants and perennial trees of different shades and low maintenance".

Within the private green space, multiple micro relaxation areas (including a small pond) leave room for moments of total immersion, overlooking the rice fields and surrounded by flowers, tropical plants, edible fruits and aromatic herbs. To complete the experience, a promise: on clear days it is possible to witness the sun rising behind Mount Agung.

Cover photo credits: Arley Mardo, eikonstudios.com
Architectural design: Alexis Dornier