Horoeka Tree Pod

In the heart of New Zealand's Rotorua Redwood Forest, the Horoeka Tree Pod stands as a shining testament to sustainable design and artistic innovation. Created by renowned designer David Trubridge, this 9-metre tall structure is more than just an architectural marvel; it's an immersive experience that invites visitors to reconnect with nature in a profound way.

Suspended 15 meters above the forest floor, the Horoeka Tree Pod is an integral part of the Redwoods Treewalk, a network of suspension bridges and platforms that weave through the majestic redwoods. The pod's design is inspired by the lancewood tree - called "horoeka" in Māori - that grows in the understory of New Zealand's native forests. The structure's distinctive shape and exterior cladding mimic the tree's slender, drooping leaves. This thoughtful design choice ensures that the structure harmonizes with its surroundings in both form and function.

Constructed from 24 CNC-cut segments of 18mm Tricoya - a durable, outdoor-grade MDF - and vertical glulam beams of H3.2 'visual grade' radiata pine, the Pod is an example of sustainable building practices. These materials were chosen not only for their environmental credentials, but also for their ability to withstand Rotorua's corrosive, sulphurous air and damp conditions, ensuring a minimum 20-year lifespan. Over time, the materials will age gracefully and blend seamlessly into the forest environment.

But perhaps the most compelling feature of the Horoeka Tree Pod isn't just its design, but its installation ethos. Rather than screwing into trees or altering the landscape, the pod is suspended by fabric straps that are carefully wrapped around the trunks without drilling or damaging the tree. This method reflects a deep respect for the natural environment and demonstrates the possibilities of eco-conscious design.

At night, the structure comes alive. Subtle interior lighting transforms the pod into a glowing lantern among the trees - a surreal, almost spiritual addition to the Redwoods Nightlights experience. Inside, though not accessible for overnight stays, the pod offers passersby a moment of meditative wonder. It becomes part of a multi-sensory journey through sight, sound, and space-a retreat for the imagination, if not the body.

While the Horoeka Tree Pod isn't technically a tree house in the traditional, rentable sense, it earns its place among the world's most evocative arboreal architecture. It serves as a design concept and public art piece, proving that the intersection of sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling can take us to new heights-both literally and figuratively.