peter pichler architecture designs sustainable tree houses for west virginia

marking the milan based studio’s first work in the US, peter pichler architecture has developed a concept for sustainable tree houses in west virginia. following a similar project that was designed for a forest in the italian dolomites, this new scheme envisions a series of structures nestled into the wooded landscape. forming part of a luxury resort, the units are planned to meet the living building challenge guidelines for net-zero energy and environmental impact.

all images courtesy of peter pichler architecture (PPA)

the tree houses will form an addition to a destination hotel and are designed by the architect to afford guests with a new experience of living in the woods and maximum connection to nature. with the sharp roof pitches, the geometry of the structures is inspired by the surrounding maple, poplar, and oak trees and will be constructed utilizing local wood. the size of the units will range from 35-45 m² over 2 levels. the lower floor comprises a small reading and lounge area while the upper level is composed of a bedroom space and a small bathroom.

the project is conceived as a ‘slow down’ form of tourism where nature and the integration of architecture in it plays a primary role. “we believe that the future of tourism is based on the relationship of the human being with nature. well integrated, sustainable architecture can amplify this relationship, nothing else is needed” – peter pichler architecture.

the location of dawson lake is a stunning example of west virginia’s ‘wild and wonderful’ landscape, featuring a spring-fed 40-acre lake, restored meadows, streams and wetlands, and over 100 acres of perpetual land easements that form a protected habitat for native species. dawson lake will become a ‘living laboratory’ for regenerative approaches to building design, agriculture, and land-use that reach beyond minimizing environmental impact to improving the ecosystem’s health and resilience. the project, which encompasses sustainable buildings, a conference and event center, a food and agriculture hub, health and wellness proposals, educational workshops and a vast visual and performing arts programming, aims to shape a more ecological future.

project info:

project name: ‘tree houses’

location: dawson lake, the US

architect: peter pichler architecture (PPA)

principals: peter pichler, silvana ordinas

design team: daniele colombati, gianluigi d´aloisio, giovanni paterlini, marco capriani

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom