6 Amazing Green Treetop Paradises for Sustainable Living

Finca Bella Vista Village

Over the years we've found some amazing treehouses that are not only fun and architecturally stunning, but also environmentally conscious. Whether they are constructed with inventive materials like old fruit and vegetable crates, inspired by Buckmister Fuller's geodesic dome, or fitted with state of the art eco-technology, we've put together a list of the best green treehouses that can be found all over the world. So hit the jump for a peek at our favorite playful, yet sustainable, constructions.

Roderick Romero Tornado Treehouse

TORNADO TREEHOUSE Roderick Romero proved that treehouses are not only for children, but also for celebrities. Romero has built some of the most amazing treetop constructions for the likes of Sting and Val Kilmer. More importantly, however, are his building materials. He uses reclaimed wood to craft his impressive "tornado" designs. The two-storey diamond-shaped structure is complete with an observation deck perfect for looking out to the surrounding nature.

The Rooted Treehouse by Urbanarbolismo

ROOTED TREEHOUSE

This private children's treehouse is a brilliant place for playing. Built up in the branches of an old oak tree in Extremadura, Spain, the mini-escape dubbed the Rooted Treehouse was designed by Urbanarbolismo and built nestled within a hundred year old tree and covered in a heather-like material and raw cork bark. With an aim of minimizing its impact on the tree which it sits, the designers have supported the deck with extra stabilizers that function like roots.

Finca Bella Vista Village

FINCA BELLAVISTA

A Costa Rican paradise, Finca Bellavista is a haven away from the chaos of the outside world where residents to focus on interacting with the treetop world around them. This canopy neighborhood is evolving with a community complex below, which includes a dining hall and lounge area that even has Wifi access (not so far removed from reality then!). Many more constructions are underway to develop the community further, and their “Sky Trail” transportation network is up and runningto give visitors incredible views of the canopy and river corridor.

Birds Nest Treehotel

TREE HOTEL The Scandanavian Treehotel offers visitors the opportunity to spend the night in a luxurious treehouse room. Each of the 6 unique treehouses was the inspired creation of a different guest architect, but all of them honor their surroundings and is kitted out with a state-of-the-art eco-friendly incineration toilet, a water-efficient hand basin, and underfloor heating.

Treehouse on a rooftop

UNDER HEAVEN

This precariously balanced treehouse is the innovative design of Amsterdam-based installation artist, Leonard van Munste. Sitting atop the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, the design, dubbed Under Heaven, is entirely built using old fruit and vegetable crates. The rickety treehouse may not seem like the most sturdy design, but it looks brilliant amidst its urban surroundings and is sure to offer incredible views of the city below.

O2 Sustainability Treehouse

ILLUMINATED GEODESIC DOME

A translucent geodesic sphere, the O2 Sustainability treehouse by Dustin Fieder was inspired by a simple Japanese paper lantern. Illuminated at night, the construction is suspended using a steel cable support system and built with 100% sustainable materials of either recycled soda bottles or 3Form Ecoresin. The design is respectful to the tree itself and uses no nails or bolts, and can be ordered as a self-installing kit.