Trees Amigos
O2 Treehouse has an enviable reputation in the tree-home industry (yes, such a thing exists) and their long resume features dozens of architecturally interesting forest homes worldwide. The Pinecone Treehouse, however, stands out from the others in a number of ways. Take its main element: multiple diamond-shaped panels layered over one another, pinecone-style, creating a transparent facade offering unmatched, 360-degree views of the surrounding forest canopy.
Higher Society
Now hold on a sec… suburban livin’ this ain’t! Just getting into this nifty “nuthouse” can be an adventure as guests must first navigate a 30 to 60 degree alternating step ladder a full thirty feet up above the leaf-littered forest floor. A harness and ascension safety system has been installed for those struggling with acrophobia issues. No matter how you get up there, a trap door is the main ingress-egress point.
Branching Out
The builder’s visionary design truly reveals itself once one gets inside. The multitude of clear acrylic, diamond-shaped panels enclose a surprisingly large space able to accommodate a double bed or two single beds. That 360-degree view encompasses overhead sightlines – counting the stars instead of sheep is a lovely way to set out to the Land of Nodding Off.
Cone of Smile-ence
Morning brings a wealth of filtered sunlight through the transparent facade, illuminating a sturdy catwalk bridge leading to the bathroom housed in a separate, ground-level miniature outbuilding. The bathroom offers a welcome respite from rough-living as it features a hot shower, a sink, and a composting toilet. For a closer look at the Pinecone Treehouse, please visit the company online but in the meantime, this four-minute video from O2 Treehouse explores what the firm is all about. (via Slicelab and WebUrbanist)
Think forests should be heard and not just seen? Check out Sounds Wood: Speakers Made From Recycled Logs!

