baumraum: treehouse in belgium

within a flemish forest in hechtel-eksel, belgium, the ‘treehouse’ by german firm baumraum is a project for sappi, a paper producer and the local commune. intended for breakout sessions for businesses to brainstorm about sustainability amidst nature, as well as holding presentations and scientific research to improve the planet’s future. the spruce board façade and rounded end walls are framed by oxidized zinc band, reading as an ellipse. the stepped floor plates of the habitable structure are elevated 5.5 and 6.5 meters up into the trees with 19 stainless steel stilts which are secured to the earth at random angles with minimal impact foundation screws. shifted at its midpoint, the floor and roofline remain connected across a height difference of one meter. a metal grate stairway suspended by cables from a nearby pine tree leads to a cabin on the lower platform.

19 stainless steel stilts lift the structure
image © markus bollen / all images courtesy of baumraum

the first climate controlled space contains a kitchen, lounge and restroom. visitors then ascend to the successive terrace via a covered stairway, entering the laid back atmosphere of the upper cabin. cushioned window benches wrap the perimeter enclosure while small stools in the center of the room support all types of meetings by allowing for flexible arrangements. underground, a heat pump unit extracts heat from the air and is channelled through a tube within an inclined column. the warmth is converted to a liquid which flows beneath the seating. during summer, cooler temperatures may be substituted. the CO2 neutral system works hand-in-hand with properly balanced ventilation. double glazing windows within wooden frames insulate the interior. LED lights connected to daylight and movement sensors minimize energy consumption.

front elevation
image © markus bollen