Sweden: Biosphere, the eighth cabin at Treehotel, features 350 bird houses to attract wildlife and allow guests to experience birdlife in close proximity.
Treehotel designed the cabin in collaboration with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman and architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
The 34 metre-squared cabin, accessed via a suspended bridge that slopes from the ground, it set to open this May. It will feature a roof terrace offering views of forest.
Kent Lindval, fonder and co-owner of the Treehotel, said: “We are very happy to initiate a project together with yet another group of leading Scandinavian architects, the renowned Danish BIG. This completes our goal of having architects from all Scandinavian countries.
“We have always depended heavily upon our leading Scandinavian architects, who have helped us build a holistic view – from the little to large details – in the design process. We have been waiting for the right time and the right architecture company for our next step. The fact that our eighth room will be created in collaboration with BIG, at this very point in time, and with a future-focused concept where the natural environment becomes an interactive part of the experience, feels perfect.”
Cabins at Treehotel are all individually designed. Architects featured thus far include Snöhetta, Rintala Eggerstsson, and Tham & Videgård, among others.
Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG, said: “I got to spend a few days and nights in some of the Treehotel rooms right before the pandemic, and left with a sense of rejuvenation from complete immersion into nature. I couldn’t help wondering if there was a way to take the immersion one step further – and almost instantly the idea of inviting not only the human visitors but also the resident bird and bat population to cohabit a spherical swarm of nests came to life. After our first conversations with Ulf Öhman from Norrbotten Ornithological Association we were relieved to learn that birds don’t drop where they nest – so there is hope for the glass to remain clear within this cloud of aviary architecture.”
Ulf Öhman, chairman of the Norrbotten Ornithological Association, added: “Inventories in Norrbotten County, carried out both by us as ornithologists and by the County Administrative Board, show that a number of different bird populations are decreasing. Forestry has led to a reduced number of natural holes in trees where breeding birds nest.
“The installation of bird nests is therefore an important measure to take. Furthermore, climate change leads to the insect boom happening earlier in the year, and by the time the birds’ eggs hatch, the boom has already passed. Feeding is an important support mechanism for the birds that stay in Northern Sweden and require food during winter. Demonstrating the use of bird nests and feeding, not just at the Treehotel but for people to install near their own homes, is valuable. An initiative from Treehotel to take such measures may inspire their visitors to do the same.”
Kent Lindvall featured in the debut episode of the Trailblazer webinars for a session on The experiential hotelier. Watch the replay here.
