OBSERVATION TREE HOUSE

The task of the project was to place a tree observatory in the city forest of Celje, where it would serve pedagogical interpretations of urban forest contents and functions. We placed the house on a small topographic plateau along the forest path, connecting it with the park and the city centre.
The site was defined by six trees, positioned around an open space. The geometry of the object follows this composition: pairs of primary beams connect the six trees and at their intersection tree pillars are added to help carry the platform (radial-circular construction at 6m height). On it a constructively logical, yet complex secondary geometry was established: a volume with six »fingers« and terraces between them. The image of the main building follows the free hexagonal composition of trees. We reach the house through a tower of spiral staircases. The logic of the interior is a double one: it offers a central space for gatherings and events (lighted by an oculus above its centre) and six extended volumes that reach into the forest, each oriented towards a significant tree. From outside they slightly overhang the platform to form a dynamic site-specific shape that changes with each viewpoint. The roof design also follows the geometry of the building.

Illustration