The Tree: A Prototype Residential House Symbolizing Family

A Unique Design Inspired by the Structure of a Tree

This prototype residential house, aptly named "The Tree," is a symbol of family growth and continuity. Just like a tree that spreads its roots down into the earth and its branches up into the air, this house is designed to accommodate young families and provide them with a futuristic yet welcoming residence.

The main stem of the tree, represented by the central staircase, serves as the core and heart of the house. The spaces are distributed on different levels, with each space located according to its desired level of privacy. The entrance and reception area are situated on the lower level, along with the office, which is elevated half a floor from the entrance. The living room is also located on this level, creating a seamless connection between the lower public area and the higher private area, where the bedrooms are situated.

The design of "The Tree" incorporates green roofs and terraces, giving residents the experience of living in a treehouse. The water feature beneath the office mass symbolizes the life and energy that the tree provides, creating a harmonious connection between nature and the built environment.

The structure of the house focuses on the core staircase, supported by columns and cantilevered masses. The facades feature imported Italian stone and savito paint, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the design.

With a rectangular land plot measuring 16m on the street and a depth of 24m, "The Tree" has a total built-up area of 275 sqm. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the design team, led by Adel Badrawy, with Sarah Ashraf as the project manager and Mohamed Eisa as the architect.

This prototype house is designed to accommodate the needs of a young family, providing spaces for living, working, and relaxation. The split-level design ensures both privacy and open space plans, creating a seamless flow throughout the house. The journey begins with a welcoming set of steps along a pond, leading to the entrance at level +0.60. From there, residents can either go upstairs to the office at level +1.50 or descend a few steps to the reception and dining area at level -0.30. The journey continues with the living room, pantry, and bedrooms, culminating in a roof terrace that offers a panoramic view from the top of the tree.

The design and construction of "The Tree" took place in Cairo, Egypt, starting in April 2020 and concluding in May 2020. The design team dedicated significant time to researching the structure of trees to ensure that the concept was faithfully represented in the design.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, technical skill, and resourcefulness, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.