Indonesian-based architectural studio Alexis Dornier has recently completed a tropical treehouse escape located in Penestanan, on the outskirts of Ubud, Bali. Dubbed Lift, the treetop boutique hideaway offers guests a unique experience to sleep amid the treetops in a luxurious eco-structure.
The architects approached this work as an experimental project with the goal to test out a new ways of building lightweight structures that have little impact on the natural landscape. The goal was to step away from more traditional building techniques that often include the use of concrete, while also creating a cost effective and faster build. The architects therefore came up with the idea of building a cluster of elevated treehouse-inspired dwellings that are lifted above the ground and reduce their footprint on the site.
The Lift treehouses are built using steel structures and locally sourced bamboo and timber. An external spiral steel staircase winds its way to the top of each of the villas, which are nestled amid the palm trees and tropical flora. The elevated dwellings take advantage of passive cooling and shading from the surrounding trees, while also offering reprieve from mosquito shrubs.
Each treehouse villa features a master bedroom with king-sized bed, separate luxury bathroom, air conditioning and a private external terrace or balcony. The Earnest Hemingway House is elevated 12 meters (39.4 ft) above the ground and comes with furniture made from Rattan and recycled timber. Its roof-line is inspired by traditional Javanese homes associated with aristocrats.
