STATUS
COMPLETED
The Treehotel in Swedish Lapland is known for its broad variety of cabins, with each one having a distinct identity that responds and interacts differently with the surrounding forest. BIG’s aim was to amplify Treehotel’s focus on sustainability and natural tourism, and create a resilient design in a region with strong seasonal climatic contrasts.
Designed in collaboration with Treehotel and Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman, the Biosphere cabin brings 350 bird houses to the Harads village, with the mission to decrease the downward spiral of the bird population in the region.
Bird´s Nest, design Bertil Harström
Blue Cone, design SandellSandberg
Cabin, design Cyren&Cyrén
UFO, design Bertil Harström, photocred Peter Lundstrom
Dragonfly, design RintalaEggertsson
Mirrorcube, design Tham Videgård
The 7th Room, design Snöhetta
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"Inventories in Norrbotten County, carried out both by us as ornithologists and by the County Administrative Board, show that a number of different bird populations are decreasing. Forestry has led to a reduced number of natural holes in trees where breeding birds nest. The installation of bird nests is therefore an important measure to take. Furthermore, climate change leads to the insect boom happening earlier in the year, and by the time the birds’ eggs hatch, the boom has already passed. Feeding is an important support mechanism for the birds that stay in Northern Sweden and require food during winter. Demonstrating the use of bird nests and feeding, not just at the Treehotel but for people to install near their own homes, is valuable."
Ecological & Human Habitats
— Typically ecological and human habitats have been distinct entities, since human activity has more often than not come at the expense of ecological density and diversity. What if human habitats could actually create habitat?
Facade
— By wrapping our cabin in ecological habitats for a variety of species, we could create an architecture whose main expression is born from it's function. Visitors can get the benefit of being in the epicenter of living creatures, with lots of opportunities for seeing nature.
Opening up Views
— By expanding the birdhouses outwards and varying the sizes of the boxes based on bird type frequency in the area, light is able to enter the human space whilst visitors can enjoy views outwards.
Forest Integration
— The result is a nature integrated habitat. Ecological diversity is increased and visitors have a unique experience.
Biosphere is accessed via a suspended bridge that slopes from the ground to the top of the trees. The interior of the 34 m2 hotel room incorporates rich dark interiors and organic materials inspired by the surrounding landscape. The checker solid-open conceptual make-up allows for a range of experiences within a relatively small space. Visitors have access to a roof terrace – close to the treetop canopies – that offer a 360-degree views of the forest.
By varying the individual sizes of the bird houses and expanding them outwards based upon the bird type and frequency in the area, light can enter the space whilst maintaining the outwards views.
Through wrapping the new hotel room in an ecological habitat, guests are given the opportunity to experience birdlife in close proximity, finding themselves in the epicenter of nature.
“I got to spend a few days and nights in some of the Treehotel rooms right before the pandemic, and left with a sense of rejuvenation from complete immersion into nature. I couldn’t help wondering if there was a way to take the immersion one step further - and almost instantly the idea of inviting not only the human visitors but also the resident bird and bat population to cohabit a spherical swarm of nests came to life. After our first conversations with Ulf Öhman from Norrbotten Ornithological Association we were relieved to learn that birds don’t drop where they nest - so there is hope for the glass to remain clear within this cloud of aviary architecture.”
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“We designed our addition to the Treehotel - the Biosphere - to create a unique experience for hotel guests, which takes inspiration from the qualities of the surrounding forest and absorbs them into the interior. The ecology is the driver behind the architectural expression.”
Bjarke Ingels Angel Barreno Gutiérrez Clara Sanfeliu João Albuquerque Francisco Abajo Duran
AWARDS
Créateurs Design Awards, Best Hospitality Project in Architecture, 2024
Interior Design, Best of Year Award Winner, 2022
COLLABORATORS
Ulf Öhman
Chairman of the Norrbotten Ornithological Association
Ateljé Lyktan
Vittjärvshus
