Research's IaaC - Celtis Australis Treehouse

 

The Celtis Australis species, dynamic and expressive, reacts to environmental conditions.  These reactions are then recorded into the form of the trunk and shape of the tree; a quality that was found to be most intriguing.  Thus, when designing a tree house the objective was no longer about creating a space that defies gravity but rather creating a space and structure as dynamic, reactive and expressive as the tree itself.  Borrowing from the twisting motion observed from the base case Celtis Australis, a bi-level, interactive, parametric, cable system was designed.

 

Each space is composed of interwoven elastic cables, bifurcating the spaces is a woven platform of the same cable material.  As the user moves the platform up or down the density of the weave changes, providing more or less perforation; a quality which can offer sun shade, wind protection or even privacy.  The user is also free to use the platform as a seating area or as a means to enter the neighboring space.

 

In addition to experiential qualities, particular attention was given to the efficiency of construction and materials. The assembly is a kit of parts system that includes ratcheted webbing, bungee cable and 1m long eye screws; no tools required.  Furthering the ease of construction, the parameters of space can be determined by the builder and the existing content allowing for adaptability and and site sensitivity.