On a lush stretch of beach in Mexico, north of Acapulco, lies a sustainable resort called Playa Viva. They recently opened a bi-level treehouse designed by Chicago firm Deture Culsign. Made of bamboo, the solar-powered cylindrical treehouse offers gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
At 700 square feet, the treehouse is designed to “visually intrigue and highlight sustainable strategies to deliver a natural immersive guest experience,” according to Deture Culsign. The treehouse is built six feet off the ground amidst palm trees, which act as “living piers.” There is a bedroom with a king bed, lounge area, built-in hammock, and private bathroom in the treehouse. California-based ArtisTree constructed the the treehouse.
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The design is meant to allow visitors to feel as they are moving seamlessly between the indoors and outdoors. Built with locally sourced wood, the treehouse blends into the natural environment. Solar power provides electricity and hot water. Hatch windows in the side of the circular treehouse allow for passive cooling.
The bedroom “perch” occupies the upper level, and downstairs is a private bathroom tucked behind bamboo screens. The bathroom includes details like a carved stone sink and a shower floor made with pebbles laid by hand. Part of the bathroom roof is open to allow sky views. There’s also a daybed in the treehouse so more people can share the experience.
Visitors pay between $445 and $620 a night, depending on whether it’s the low or high season. The room comes with daily yoga classes and three meals a day plus snacks. Playa Viva sits on almost 200 acres with a mile-long private beach. On their land is an estuary, turtle sanctuary, and an “Aztec archaeological site.” Tropical forests and mangroves add beauty and variety to the location, which is near the village of Juluchuca.
Via AIA Chicago and Retail Design Blog
Images via Playa Viva and Deture Culsign
