Treehouse in Australia: Hp TreeHouse

With the purpose of implementing a low maintenance home, perfectly integrated in its natural landscape, australian firm mmp Architects developed the Hp TreeHouse, a building that seemingly floats on a galvanized steel support, minimizing its effects on the environment. The treehouse is located on a secluded terrain on the flanks of Mt Whitfield in Cairns, Australia and opens up towards the forest and the views beyond through large windows, while remaining invisible to the city below.

Prioritizing the landscape by minimally impacting the ground, the structure of the Hp TreeHouse is lifted above the sloping terrain with a galvanized steel support framework. a vehicular drive leads to the single-storey structure comprised of three pavilions connected with breezeways navigate the 40 meter tall terminalia and quandong trees. A central living space opens to the woods through a fully glazed wall while the dining area is slightly lower within an open room protected only with a canopy roof.

The master bedroom and bathroom enjoy from a view on the adjoining rock face which transforms into a waterfall during the rainy season. The wind is channeled through the interior due to the north-south orientation and system of louvers over the window openings. Exposed laminated timber beams support the flat roof’s short spans, and a translucent membrane brings natural daylight into the interior.

Last but not least, the Hp TreeHouse enjoys from the latest innovations in terms of environment friendliness: a system of PV panels direct the solar power to heat the water, and durable materials such as colorbond steel, aluminum windows and steel structure help reduce future maintenance on the building along with low VOC paints, sustainably grown wood and locally sourced stone for sustainable priorities.