Tree house Design of Nanxi Happy Pastoral Wild Hotel
Cite: WH Studio | 2023 | Yibin, Hubei
Design Team: Hui Wang; Chuhua Ding; Mengman Liu; Zichao Ye; Yunfan Ye
Nanxi Happy Pastoral Wild Hotel Tree House is located in Nanxi District of Yibin City. For the designer, this treehouse is the version 2.0 of the treehouse product, and the version 1.0 of which is the treehouse of Hangzhou Xianghu Senbo Resort Hotel, which was built in 2019. Xianghu Treehouse has received an enthusiastic response in the cultural tourism market, and the construction cost has been recovered in a short period of time and continues to make profits. It has also attracted the attention and reports of domestic and international media, and has become a filming location for advertising shoots and network communication. Besides, on the well-known website of My Modern Met, an article was written to warmly recommend the Xianghu Treehouse to the world.
The basic unit of the Nanxi Treehouse is inspired by the ginkgo leaf, with a structural form resembling a forked vein pattern. Starting from the root veins, the structure evenly radiates outward to support the fan-shaped plane. Similar to how plant leaves are slightly staggered vertically to maximize sunlight exposure, the treehouse features guest units arranged at different heights, creating a dynamic staggered layout. While each unit generally faces the primary scenic view, their angles vary, offering a unique perspective. The structure and space of each unit are independent, presenting an organic and natural aesthetic while avoiding disturbances caused by slight vibrations in large cantilever steel structures.
Just as a tree’s trunk anchors into the ground and its branches and leaves reach skyward, the treehouse’s main framework is constructed with three steel columns and a primary beam, forming a stable triangular structure that bears most of the building’s load. A cluster of vein-like structural columns plays a crucial role in supporting the cantilevered floor. These columns, along with the fan-shaped floor, the slanted fan-shaped roof, and the small steel columns (including window frames) in between, form a suspended structural unit.
The fan-shaped floor plan of the guest units perfectly aligns with the treehouse's scenic viewing needs, offering a clean and efficient interior layout. The inner section of the space is well-suited for the privacy and scale required for bathroom facilities. A standalone straight wall separates the entry area from the living space, creating a circular flow within the unit. On the outer edge, a curved balcony stretching approximately 12 meters offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the surroundings.
Leaves are both lightweight and resilient, and this duality is reflected in the design. Slim, curved columns combined with large-scale cantilevering create a relaxed, floating sensation. Although the structure itself does not incorporate direct elements of actual trees, it evokes a natural atmosphere, giving residents the feeling of "dwelling among the treetops and floating in the sky.
