Resting above an oak grove on a picturesque estate in Garessio, Italy, the TreeBOX is a tribute to the traditional barchi hay barns of the Ligurian Alps. Conceived by Officina82 and nestled within Selucente, this innovative cabin transforms the concept of a sliding barn roof into a captivating treetop retreat.
Architectural Inspiration and Design
The TreeBOX cleverly echoes the functional movement of the barchi’s roofs, which historically rose and fell with the seasons. While it doesn’t replicate the barchi’s mobility, the design captures the essence of that upward motion in its static, faceted roof. Designed by architect Fabio Revetria and landscape architect Lara Sappa, TreeBOX turns a piece of farm equipment into an artistic, elevated guest space.
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Setting and Structure
Situated on a slope, TreeBOX is elevated on slender wooden posts, rising above the undergrowth. This strategic placement aligns the cabin with the treetop canopy, offering a vantage that feels more connected to the sky than the earth. The exterior cladding of wood shingles transitions seamlessly from the hipped roof to tapering walls, creating a striking visual against the natural backdrop.
Interior Ingenuity
Within its modest footprint of twelve square meters (129 square feet), TreeBOX conceals a lofty interior reaching over 4 meters (13.3 ft) high. The plywood-lined interior showcases its natural grain, and a rope net mezzanine adds a unique element beneath a skylight. This creates a suspended relaxation area with a direct view of the sky.
Lush Comfort
The bedroom features full-height windows, opening the space to breathtaking views of the valley and wooded slopes. A king-size bed in sage-green linen is positioned to face the tree line directly. An adjoining balcony invites quiet contemplation, equipped with a bistro set, inviting guests to take in the serene landscapes of the Ligurian Alps.
Officina82’s Vision
A testament to Officina82’s philosophy, the TreeBOX continues their exploration of contemporary design rooted in rustic traditions. As Fabio Revetria and Lara Sappa explain, the project seeks to blend modern aesthetics with the timeless charm of rural architecture, showcasing how design can revitalize underappreciated areas.
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The Enchanted Evenings
At night, the TreeBOX subtly comes to life, with its illuminated entrance marking its presence among the trees. The glowing “TreeBOX” carving above the doorway is a beacon from the path below, making the cabin more visible in darkness than in the light of day.
The TreeBOX represents a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, a modern refuge that nods to the historical barchi barns, tying the landscape’s heritage to contemporary design.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of the TreeBOX?
The TreeBOX is inspired by the traditional barchi hay barns of the Ligurian Alps. It cleverly echoes the functional movement of the barchi’s roofs, capturing the essence of upward motion in its static, faceted roof.
How does the TreeBOX connect with its environment?
Situated on a slope, TreeBOX is elevated on slender wooden posts, aligning the cabin with the treetop canopy. The exterior cladding of wood shingles transitions seamlessly from the hipped roof to tapering walls, creating a striking visual against the natural backdrop.
What is the interior like in the TreeBOX?
Within its modest footprint, TreeBOX has a lofty interior over 4 meters high, lined with plywood showcasing its natural grain. It features a rope net mezzanine and a skylight, creating a suspended relaxation area with a direct view of the sky.