House Of The Tree: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

MORPH X DESIGN STUDIO's Award-Winning Private Residence Design

The House Of The Tree was conceived as a retreat from city life, a place where the occupants could enjoy the company of extended family and friends amidst the serenity of nature. The design was inspired by the site itself, which boasts a panoramic view of hills and mountains and a majestic oak tree standing tall in the middle of the rocky land. The designers aimed to create a house that would revolve around the tree and the landscape, allowing the occupants to experience the outdoors from the inside.

The unique features of the House Of The Tree are dictated by the 9074 square meter site and its natural elements. The house is designed to blend with the rocky landscape, with large expanses of glass providing a seamless transition from inside to outside. A cantilevered mass, which marks the main entrance, unites with a large pivoting wooden screen to frame the site’s tree and the dramatic views of the mountains, further enhancing the connection with nature.

The house is realized using a simple, earthy palette of materials, including concrete, steel, wood, and glass. These materials, combined with the modern design, help to merge the house with its landscape. The structure of the house is clear and oriented to create a central courtyard. A skylight on the ceiling of the 1st floor brings natural light into the house, while other masses are connected through a pivoting wooden screen bridge.

The House Of The Tree includes a guest suite, two master bedrooms, a main master bedroom, a living room, a guest area, a kitchen, and services. Recreational facilities include gyms, a swimming pool, and gardens. The design also features a double volume with a curtain wall that overlooks the inner court, connecting the ground floor with the first floor.

The design of the House Of The Tree posed several challenges, the most significant being the preservation of the 200-year old tree with minimum disturbance to the site. This was achieved by building around the tree and constructing a floating mass over the entrance using inverted tension beams. This allowed for a continuous flow of circulation and greenery to the inner semi-shaded courtyard by the tree, which was further enhanced by the large pivoting wooden screen that linked the inner courtyard with the backyard.

The House Of The Tree, with its innovative design and harmonious blend of architecture and nature, is a testament to the creative prowess of MORPH X DESIGN STUDIO. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Design Award, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This award-winning design is a shining example of how architecture can be used to create spaces that not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance our connection with the natural world.