atelier LAVIT has created a hotel room that wraps around a century-old oak tree in france. inspired by the form and function of a bird’s nest, the design team refers to the structure as a ‘tailored wooden-dress’. named the ‘ORIGIN tree house’, the scheme seeks to provide shelter as a natural part of the existing landscape. located in the forested grounds of château raray, a castle in northern france, the dwelling is accessed via a walkway suspended 10 meters above ground.

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
all images by marco lavit nicora | video by silvia lavit

 

 

guests first encounter a protected ‘patio’ that serves as the entrance to the tree house. two sliding glass doors provide easy access to the dwelling’s interior, which develops in succession: first the living area; then the bedroom; and finally, a narrow corridor that contains a dressing room and a bathroom. each of the interior spaces feature large windows that overlook the forest and its impressive foliage.

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the hotel room wraps around a century-old oak tree in france

 

 

the generously proportioned openings also ensure a bright and welcoming atmosphere. the wall’s inner lining is made out of pale poplar, which offers a subtle scent, while furniture pieces — constructed from horizontal layers of wood — have also been custom-made by atelier LAVIT. from the patio, a ladder leads to the terrace — a secluded rooftop deck hidden behind the tree house’s wooden cladding.

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the scheme seeks to provide shelter as a natural part of the existing landscape

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
guests first encounter a protected ‘patio’ that serves as the entrance to the tree house

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
sliding glass doors lead to the living area

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the dwelling’s interior develops in succession

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
generously proportioned openings ensure a bright and welcoming atmosphere

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the bedroom overlooks the forest and its impressive foliage

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the hotel room is accessed via a wooden walkway suspended 10 meters above ground

the ORIGIN tree house by atelier LAVIT is a secluded forest retreat
the design team refers to the structure as a ‘tailored wooden-dress’

 

 

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atelier LAVIT origin tree house raray france designboom
 
atelier LAVIT origin tree house raray france designboom
 
atelier LAVIT origin tree house raray france designboom
 
atelier LAVIT origin tree house raray france designboom
 
project info:

 

location: château de raray, 60810 raray, france
architect: atelier LAVIT
project year: 2017
design: atelier LAVIT
structures: nid perche / créateur d’hébergements insolites
photography: marco lavit nicora
client: cabanes des grands chênes
general contractors: nid perche / créateur d’hébergements insolites
dimensions: 23 sqm / 248 sqf