Moguang Studio has completed a ‘floating’ concrete structure that anchors a new guesthouse complex in Longwanggou Village, Hubei Province, China. Serving as a multifunctional amenities building with café, dining, and gathering spaces, the suspended project inserts a striking horizontal volume into a terraced valley near the Danjiangkou Reservoir. Inspired by the accidental horizon created by a temporary blue construction fence on site, the architects translated this fleeting gesture into a permanent architectural intervention — one that stitches together the surrounding hills while redefining the relationship between landscape and built form.

the suspended structure | all images courtesy of Moguang Studio

a horizon reimagined by moguang studio

The design by Moguang Studio began with the terrain’s transformation into artificial terraces during preliminary site works, a move that altered the valley’s natural topography. When encountered by the architects, the bright construction barricade cutting across the slope suggested an accidental but powerful horizon. Rather than conceal this incision, the studio amplified it with a precise concrete volume that extends laterally across the site, echoing the fence’s graphic clarity while introducing a functional landscape corridor. The textured concrete, cast using standard decking boards, preserves the imprint of wood grain, softening the geometry with tactile detail.

the reflecting pool echoes the horizontal abstraction of the architecture

voids and light

Spatially, the building is organized around three light courts carved into the concrete mass. Openings and voids frame elements of the natural environment, resetting orientation as users move through the structure. At the core is a 7.5-meter cubic court that vertically links sky and ground while horizontally connecting dining, kitchen, and meeting areas. This interplay of solidity and void establishes a rhythmic, layered experience where interior and exterior blur.

To achieve long spans with minimal supports, the roof and floor are constructed as ribbed concrete slabs forming a structural shell. Full-height windows reduce visual mass and maximize transparency, while cross-ventilation is enabled through operable openings. A thin reflecting pool atop the roof lightens the building’s presence, mirroring distant mountains and the reservoir. Cast in a single pour with subtle cambering to prevent cracking, the shell stands as a precise geometric insertion in the valley — both grounded in material tactility and floating in abstraction.

behind the main facade lies a spatial system of vertical light courts and orderly openings

sculpting structural tension through reflection and shadow

ground level shear walls are abstracted into geometric installations

main entrance

the view outside the meeting room

looking toward the light court from the dining area

the architecture anchored in the geohydrological system of Danjiangkou

the reflective roof water mirrors the rugged mountain texture and echoes the distant reservoir

project info:

name: Wudang Mountain Visitor Center
designer: Moguang Studio

location: Longwanggou Village, Hubei Province, China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

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A new library for Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (SMVIT) in Bangalore, India has completed with architecture by locally-based Cadence Architects. With its monumental presence and exposed concrete structure atop an array of pilotis, the building establishes a strong landmark at the heart of the engineering university’s masterplan. The SMVIT Library is sited along a main road between the hostel buildings and academic blocks, and will soon overlook a central plaza which is soon to be completed, creating a natural gathering point for faculty and students.

images © Atik Bheda

a gathering hub for smvit

Cadence Architects shapes the library to encourage interaction across the SMVIT campus. The building does not read as a solitary monument but as an active connector. Its floorplan invites movement throughout and around the structure which, as the architects note, supports the university’s call for a democratic, inclusive hub.

The heavy concrete volume is elevated over the ground plane atop a series of columns, its footprint planned as a careful response to the site’s mature trees, weaving the building into its natural setting. Broad pedestrian paths pass through and along the structure, enhancing its role as both a destination and a thoroughfare within the campus.

the heavy concrete volume is elevated over the ground plane atop a series of columns

cadence architects’ sectional complexity

Concrete gives Cadence Architects’ SMVIT Library a sense of permanence and strength, while the building’s porosity and layered volumes maintain a welcoming atmosphere. The design team balances solidity with openness, ensuring the library feels at once grounded and responsive to sunlight and breezes.

Inside, sectional shifts create a mix of intimate reading alcoves and generous communal zones. The interplay of volumes supports focused study as well as collaboration, further embodying the architecture’s flexible and democratic spirit.

locally-based firm Cadence Architects designed the building as a gathering hub

interior spaces range from quiet reading nooks to open communal zones

the design encourages interaction and collaboration across disciplines

linear overhead lighting fixtures lend an exaggerated forced perspective

sunlight filtered through mature trees casts patterned shadows across the interiors

the SMVIT Library stands at the center of the engineering school’s campus

project info:

name: SMVIT Library

architect: Cadence Architects | @cadence_architects

location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

client: Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology

design team: Narendra Pirgal, Vikram Rajashekar, Smaran Mallesh, Anshul Deshmukh, Aishani Nath, Shilpa Ananth

completion: March 2025

photography: © Atik Bheda | @atikbheda

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Wiki World’s Cabin of Sails is located in Wuhan Ganlushan Culture Creativity City, China, a large-scale cultural and tourism complex with an emphasis on ‘ice and snow+’ programming. This project marks the architectural practice’s first venture beyond remote wilderness contexts into an integrated urban tourism development. Within this framework, the design objective remains focused on creating spatial experiences that are visually and functionally distinct from urban environments. As part of the ‘Island Living Plan,’ the cabin is one of a series intended to explore spatial isolation and environmental integration through compact architectural interventions.

The cabin is designed with a width of only two meters, equivalent to the dimensions of a double bed, and takes inspiration from the form of a sailboat. Positioned above a raised terrace, the structure is elevated to create a sheltered outdoor area beneath. The spatial arrangement includes a narrow entrance bridge, a compact indoor area, and an upper loft accessed by a steep staircase. The loft serves as the bedroom. The cabins are situated on an island and accessed exclusively by boat, with each unit having its own small dock.

all images courtesy of Wiki World

wiki world’s Sailboat Cabins use prefabricated laminated timber

In response to the surrounding forest environment, the design team at Wiki World intentionally minimizes the structure’s footprint. By reducing the size of the dwelling, the structure limits its physical impact and allows for more direct interaction with the surrounding landscape. The narrow form and elevated placement minimize ground disturbance and integrate with the site’s natural conditions. The terrace provides open views of the surrounding water and landscape, and its adjacency to the shoreline allows for recreational activities such as fishing.

Constructed using prefabricated glued laminated timber, all structural components were digitally modeled and customized to ensure precision and efficiency. Each element is designed for prefabrication and assembly, allowing for rapid on-site construction with minimal environmental disruption. The construction process preserved the existing vegetation, including trees and bamboo, and maintained the original topography and pathways. The cabins are supported by independent foundations and do not rely on continuous slabs or artificial landscaping. The facade uses carbonized wood cladding, treated through a manual charring process. All joints and connections utilize a system of reusable metal components, enabling repeatable assembly and disassembly. The cabin system aligns with Wiki World’s broader design approach focused on prefabrication, modular construction, and ecological sensitivity. The project continues the studio’s exploration of compact, adaptable architecture that engages with natural contexts through minimal means and intentional spatial restraint.

designed by Wiki World, this compact retreat explores minimal architectural interventions in a natural setting

inspired by the form of a sailboat, the design references ideas of movement and anchored solitude

each cabin is only two meters wide, matching the width of a standard double bed

the cabin rests above a raised terrace, creating a sheltered outdoor space beneath the structure

each cabin includes a private dock, emphasizing boat-only access and controlled site circulation

structural components are made from prefabricated glued laminated timber, ensuring efficient assembly

elevated placement minimizes ground contact, preserving natural soil and vegetation conditions

carbonized wood panels form the facade, treated using a traditional charring technique for durability

project info:

name: [Wild Home #133#] – The Cabin of Sails

architect: Wiki World
design team: Mu Wei, Feng Zhaoxian, Wu Baorong, He Wen, Liao Xiaotian, Wang Yuanying

location: Wuhan, China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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MM House by Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos on a steep, wooded slope overlooking a lake in Nilque, Los Lagos, Chile. The site descends dramatically from hilltop to shoreline, wrapped in a dense collection of native trees. But instead of clearing a path, the design team chose to build around them. The result is a house that’s as much about presence as it is about restraint.

The architects take the site’s extreme 45-degree slope not as a limitation but as a provocation. Half of the house clings to the earth, the other half hovers on stilts — an elegant solution that avoids altering the terrain while opening up striking views of the lake and distant volcanoes. The topography becomes an asset, guiding both the form and experience of the house.

images © Nico Saieh

a home in dialogue with its sloping site

The team at Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos organizes its MM House into two linear bars aligned with the slope — one slightly elevated above the other. The upper bar hosts the master bedroom and a secondary living area, while the lower bar contains the children’s bedrooms. Connecting these is a communal volume that acts like a spatial hinge: an open zone for entry, cooking, dining, and relaxing that also connects to a terrace. It’s a layout that feels fluid, yet clearly articulated.

The architecture responds to the region’s notoriously rainy climate with a purposeful simplicity. Rather than complicate the roofline, the design embraces clear geometric forms to facilitate drainage and reduce the risk of leaks. The flat roof over the lower bedroom block doubles as a covered terrace, extending the living space while shielding it from the elements.

Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos sites its MM House on a steep lakeside slope in Nilque, Chile

Benjamin Goñi shows deference over dominance

MM House wears a rugged skin of reclaimed larch shingles, which Benjamin Goñi Arquitectos sourced from demolition timber and selected for their natural resistance to Chile’s wet southern climate. The weathered wood needs no finishing, and its muted texture allows the building to fade gently into the surrounding forest. Inside, warm pine paneling lines the walls, grounding the home in a palette of local materials and tactile calm.

The home demonstrates deference over dominance. Its carefully placed volumes bend to the site’s slope, its structure lifts to protect roots, and its openings frame, not interrupt, the natural spectacle. In Nilque, where lake, volcano, and forest collide, the house quietly inserts itself into the story, never pretending to be the main character.

the structure is half-embedded in the ground and half elevated on stilts

the design preserves all native trees by building the house carefully between them

MM House is organized into two parallel volumes aligned with the slope

the house uses simple roof forms to protect against the region’s heavy rainfall

the home is clad in larch shingles and lined with local pine to suit the rainy climate

a central common area connects both bars and includes the entry kitchen, dining, and living spaces

project info:

name: MM House

architect: Benjamín Goñi Arquitectos | @bgarquitecto

location: Nilque, Los Lagos, Chile

associated architects: Claro + Westendarp Arquitectos
photography: © Nico Saieh | @nicosaieh

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Somewhere between a backyard fort and a modernist miniature, the Kid Cabin by Imaginary Objects is like a dream treehouse in Thailand. Recently completed in Chonburi, the playful project is not perched in the trees but rooted in the landscape, striking a balance between groundedness and imagination. Like a micro-retreat for children, the cabin is designed with an element of wonder while maintaining an architectural sensitivity.

Found in a sweeping field alongside an RV, the Kid Cabin is at once a hideaway and a station for watching the horizon. Inspired by the informal magic of treehouses but opting for a firmly grounded foundation, the cabin leans into ideas of simplicity, tactility, and open-air living. The lightweight teak structure is a nod to traditional Thai housing vernaculars, yet it’s refreshingly unburdened by nostalgia. It contains just two small bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a breezy open deck that acts as the de facto living room — a liminal zone where inside and outside trade places.

images © Jinnawat Borihankijanan

kid cabin: a house designed for children

The Kid Cabin is a study in permeability by the design team at by Imaginary Objects. The bedrooms feature windows that open wide , turning walls into nothing and making nature an immediate house guest. The deck extends outward with a cantilevered table that dares you to dine, draw, or daydream at the very edge of the cabin’s footprint. Every gesture of the architecture encourages immersion. This is not a space that keeps its inhabitants separate from the outdoors — it insists them step into it.

Kid Cabin by Imaginary Objects Scales Everything to Kid Logic is designed at a child’s scale. Steps, ladders, and even the bathroom door are all sized to child-sized dimensions, subtly teaching young inhabitants that space can respond to them, not the other way around.

By including a large communal sink front and center, Imaginary Objects anticipates the chaos and curiosity that kids bring with them. Whether rinsing off muddy finds from the field, washing paintbrushes, or prepping for a science experiment, the space is primed for play and process. The project is not afraid of mess. Rather, it symbolizes an invitation to make one.

Kid Cabin is a grounded treehouse-inspired retreat for children in Chonburi, Thailand

the lightweight teak structure draws from traditional Thai houses while feeling fresh and contemporary

a cantilevered table extends from the deck, encouraging dining creativity and connection to the landscape

Kid Cabin blurs the line between interior and exterior with wide, openable windows

two compact bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and an open-air deck define the modest layout

the cabin’s elements like steps, ladders, and doors are scaled specifically for children’s proportions

Imaginary Objects invites kids to engage directly with nature and embrace messiness

project info:

name: Kid Cabin

architect: Imaginary Objects | @imaginaryobjects.co

location: Chonburi, Thailand

area: 45 square-meters

completion: 2024

photography: © Jinnawat Borihankijanan | @jinn.bor

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The Treehouse is part of the Lost Villa · Ginkgo Valley Hotel project by Moguang Studio in Guangjiachong Valley, Hubei. Designed within a 90 sqm plot, the structure is elevated to preserve three ancient trees, creating a distinct separation between the upper-level living spaces and the dynamic ground floor. The geometric design responds to the site’s natural features, integrating irregular spatial configurations to establish a decentralized layout.

Materials such as reflective metallic paint and charred cedar contribute to a cohesive relationship with the surrounding landscape. The treehouse’s structural system incorporates steel and concrete for the first floor and lightweight steel for the second, ensuring stability while accommodating existing trees. Located at the junction of two valley paths in Suizhou City, the project required careful site placement to avoid disrupting tree roots while accommodating two guest rooms of at least 50 sqm each and a utility space. To address these constraints, the structure was elevated, utilizing the ginkgo tree canopies for privacy while opening the ground floor for semi-outdoor activities such as dining and recreation.

all images courtesy of Moguang Studio

Moguang Studio utilizes carbonized wood, steel, and concrete

The design follows a geometric order derived from the irregular site boundaries. The layout and volumetric composition result from spatial iterations that refine the relationship between built forms and their surroundings. A central staircase core, rotated 60 degrees from its original axis, reconfigures circulation and structural balance. This adjustment expands spatial perception, guiding movement through the landscape while maintaining compact site usage. The ground floor, shaped by tree positioning, creates an open entry sequence, leading visitors toward the staircase and guestroom terraces. This spatial arrangement enhances the interaction between built space and natural elements, emphasizing visual and physical engagement with the surrounding forest.

For the Treehouse project, Moguang Studio’s design team employs a mixed structural system to integrate with the site’s constraints. The first floor consists of reinforced concrete shear walls and steel framing, while the second floor utilizes a lightweight steel structure to minimize load impact. The foundation system is designed to maintain tree root integrity. The exterior is clad in 30x45cm charred cedar planks, with select sections polished and finished with a matte clear varnish. The carbonized wood enhances durability by providing resistance to pests and moisture while blending with the wooded environment.

the Treehouse integrates geometric forms with the natural landscape

Geometric openings create a striking visual effect on the facade

The project adopts an abstract approach to fenestration, replacing conventional windows with geometric openings that frame specific landscape views. Operable panels are integrated within walls, maintaining the purity of the facade. The spatial layout avoids rigid start-to-end sequences, instead using irregular transitional areas that generate varied spatial experiences. The northeast guestroom incorporates a tea room and entry foyer through the 60-degree rotation of the staircase, while the southwest guestroom utilizes a curved staircase to define circulation zones. These spatial elements contribute to an adaptable and interactive living environment.

Surface treatments emphasize contrast in texture and reflectivity. The designers at Moguang Studio opt for rough stucco, wood, and metallic finishes to regulate light absorption and reflection, creating depth and variation in visual perception. The metallic fluorocarbon paint subtly reflects natural surroundings, adapting in tone throughout the day. The interaction of light and material enhances the spatial dynamics, contributing to a cohesive relationship between built form and the natural setting.

charred cedar cladding blends the structure into its wooded surroundings

geometric openings frame curated views of the valley landscape

open ground floor supports semi-outdoor activities beneath the tree canopy

elevated design preserves ancient trees while defining distinct spatial configurations

a lightweight steel upper floor minimizes structural impact on tree roots

the design follows the irregular site boundaries to optimize spatial use

the interplay of light and material defines dynamic interior atmospheres

non-traditional spatial sequences create varied architectural experiences

a decentralized layout enhances movement and interaction with nature

unique spatial layout blurs boundaries between built space and nature

reflective material used for the roof enhances the expansive outward view

project info:

name: The Treehouse – Mask in the Woods
architect: Moguang Studio

location: Guangjiachong Valley, Hubei, China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Sawmill Treehouse, a recently completed architectural project by Australian designer Robbie Walker, exemplifies how great design emerges from a strong collaboration between architect and client. The homeowner’s vision was simple — a compact residential retreat to share with family and friends. Rather than focusing on interior finishes or material selections, the client prioritized the site’s natural elements, sharing images of the trees and landscape instead of tile samples or countertop options. This approach underscored a design philosophy rooted in the surrounding environment rather than conventional luxury.

The treehouse is located at the beginning of a gully, where street water is discharged. The site offered one obvious flat area near the boundary, surrounded by towering trees. Instead of situating the structure on the flat land, Walker chose to elevate it among the trees, keeping it above the water and integrating it into the forest canopy. Four stilt-like columns, reminiscent of tree trunks, support the structure, while a facade of slatted steel panels allow light to filter through in an organic pattern, mimicking the effect of leaves. These slats also help regulate temperature, keeping the steel-clad building cool in the strong Australian sun.

images © Tasha Tylee

Compact Living in the sawmill treehouse

Designed by Robbie Walker as a minimal yet functional dwelling, Sawmill Treehouse includes just one bedroom, one bathroom, and an open kitchen and living area. The designer‘s decision to elevate the structure provides a unique treehouse experience while allowing for a covered garage beneath the living space. This garage, taking advantage of the site’s natural flat section, also houses a laundry and an outdoor kitchen concealed within the structure.

Due to the site’s high bushfire risk classification (BAL 40), all external materials needed to be non-flammable. This requirement led to the use of steel cladding, which also presented the challenge of excessive heat absorption. To mitigate this, Walker designed a system of steel slats that shade the building while allowing airflow to move through the space between the slats and the walls, reducing heat buildup and eliminating the need for air conditioning.

Sawmill Treehouse by Robbie Walker was designed as a compact retreat focused on nature

robbie walker’s Model for Sustainable Design

The client’s decision to build small, despite having ample space, reflects a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable living. In a market where real estate agents push for larger homes to maximize resale value, and where banks may undervalue compact homes in rural settings, resisting the pressure to expand was a courageous choice. The additional planning and permitting requirements for a small home do not necessarily translate to cost savings, making this project a testament to prioritizing quality over quantity.

While timber interiors were chosen for their sustainability, and steel was selected for its recyclability, the project’s most significant environmental impact comes from its restraint. By resisting the temptation to build beyond necessity, Sawmill Treehouse challenges the prevailing ethos of more-is-better, demonstrating that efficient, well-considered design can be just as impactful as material choices. In an era of increasing environmental awareness, this project stands as an example of how architecture can align with values of sustainability and thoughtful land use.

the client prioritized the site’s trees and landscape over interior finishes and materials

the structure is elevated among trees to avoid water runoff and integrate with the canopy

steel slats provide shade, regulate temperature, and mimic the effect of leaves

the design includes one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, living space, and a garage below

the project challenges the conventional market trend of maximizing house size for resale value

restraint in building size demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful land use

project info:

name: Sawmill Treehouse

designer: Robbie Walker | @robbiejwalker

location: Australia

engineer: Taylor Consulting Engineers

photography: © Tasha Tylee | @tashatylee

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El Hormiguero, the latest project by Estudio 2850 with architect Janna Lasso Hadweh, showcases an elegant and restrained approach to architecture within Ecuador’s lush Andean Chocó region. This 24-square-meter cabin is barely visible from the road, blending into its natural surroundings behind a river stone wall and dense vegetation. Its minimalist design, featuring dark metal, charred wood, and glass, floats lightly over the lush greenery, sky, and mist.

Elevated atop nine metal stilts, the dwelling is perched along its narrow plot, oriented toward the town of Mindo. This placement takes advantage of the natural slope of the land, balancing privacy and expansive views. Despite its proximity to the road, the cabin’s design allows it to sit below the access level, offering seclusion while still opening toward the town. The approach to the cabin is designed to emerge from the dense vegetation — after a narrow entry path, the space opens up, creating a sudden feeling of expansiveness.

the cabin is located in the lush Andean Chocó region | image © JAG Studio, web header © Isabel Delgado

minimal impact on ecuador’s lush environment

The team at Estudio 2850 and architect Janna Lasso Hadweh orient El Hormiguero along the plot’s longitudinal axis, with a slight shift toward the south to optimize views of the nearby town of Mindo, Ecuador. By hugging the northwest boundary, the project maximizes the use of unbuilt spaces while maintaining a close connection to the natural landscape. Service areas, such as a semi-open shower screened with eucalyptus slats, are strategically placed on the side closest to neighboring properties. In contrast, the opposite side features a fixed mid-height window that spans the length of the cabin, bringing natural light into the lower floor without compromising privacy.

One of the core principles behind the design of El Hormiguero is minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment. The architects have intervened in the terrain only where absolutely necessary, preserving the native vegetation and wildlife as much as possible. The natural landscape surrounding the cabin remains largely untouched, with native plants growing freely and providing a direct connection between the cabin’s interior spaces and the unmanaged garden.

stilts elevate the structure, positioned discreetly on a narrow plot | image © Isabel Delgado

contrasting facades by estudio 2850

Ecuador-based Estudio 2850 divides the ground floor of El Hormiguero into two longitudinal halves, with each side receiving distinct material treatments. The northeast facade, facing the entry and road, is mostly concealed, with the upper floor bedroom screened by a wooden lattice for added privacy. In contrast, the southwest facade, facing the town and distant mountains, is more open and translucent, offering panoramic views and connecting the interior with the surrounding environment. A balcony extends from this facade, serving as a perch for birdwatching and blending into the natural surroundings with its matte, charred wood finish.

The interior design is equally thoughtful, with the upper floor bedroom offering uninterrupted views of the landscape through a skylight that runs along the cabin’s ridge. This skylight also filters light down to the ground floor, illuminating the space even on overcast days. The compact size of the cabin is offset by a versatile interior layout, where furniture and amenities are strategically placed to create a sense of spaciousness. Moveable elements such as stairs, tables, and partitions adapt to the needs of the occupants, making the space flexible and transformable.

privacy balances with open views by taking advantage of the land’s natural slope | image © JAG Studio

strategic placement maximizes unbuilt spaces and integrates the cabin with nature | image © JAG Studio

a skylight runs along the upper floor, providing natural light and views of Mindo | image © JAG Studio

the facade treatment varies between concealed and open | image © JAG Studio

the structure minimizes its environmental impact by preserving the terrain and plants | image © JAG Studio

the interior layout is flexible with moveable elements adapting to occupants’ needs | image © JAG Studio

project info:

name: El Hormiguero

architect: Estudio 2850 | @2850estudio, Janna Lasso Hadweh | Janna Lasso Hadweh

location: Mindo, Ecuador

built area: 25 square meters

completion: 2024

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec | © Isabel Delgado | @isabeldelgado.a

client: Añanku Cabins | @ananku_cabins

structure: Micra Taller | @micra.ec

engineering: Patricio Cevallos

collaborators: Blake De La Torre, Berenice Chicaiza

The post el hormiguero: estudio 2850’s A-frame cabin on stilts overlooks ecuadorean andes appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located at Hólar 6 in West Iceland, near Stykkishólmur, Eagles Dream by Gudmundur Jonsson Arkitektkontor integrates with its surrounding landscape. The design draws from the cascading mountainous ridges that define the area and incorporates distinct orientations to frame the diverse and expansive views. The concept was influenced by the discovery of an eagle feather on-site, leading to the idea of a structure poised lightly on the terrain, as though ready to take flight. Elevated on columns, the vacation residence allows the landscape to flow beneath it, treating the underside as a ‘fifth elevation’ with the same attention to detail as the rest of the design. The cladding materials establish a harmonious relationship between the house and its environment. Kebony Clear wood, applied on the trapeze-formed balcony, is used both on the exterior and underneath the house to create a unified aesthetic.

all images by Gunnar Sverrisson

‘Eagles Dream’ Harmonizes with West Iceland’s Landscape

Oslo-based studio, Gudmundur Jonsson Arkitektkontor, uses Alucoil cladding to mirror the surrounding mountainous landscape, extending the dialogue between the building and its natural setting. Inside, Icelandic bluestone, Blágrýti, covers the floors and bathroom walls, grounding the interior design in local materials. Continuity is further emphasized through the interior wooden cladding, achieved using pine veneer treated to match the patina of the weathered Kebony Clear exterior over time. A corridor leading to the bedrooms features four circular glazed floor windows, establishing a direct visual connection to the ground below. A long bay window on the north side accentuates views of the adjacent forest. The trapeze-like forms of the library and kitchen echo the design of vintage camera lenses, capturing the surrounding vistas through carefully framed perspectives. Eagles Dream blends innovative design with its natural context, offering a residence that respects and enhances its spectacular Icelandic setting.

Eagles Dream stands elevated on columns, allowing the Icelandic landscape to flow freely beneath

the design concept draws inspiration from an eagle feather, evoking a structure ready for flight

Kebony Clear wood cladding, applied on the trapeze-formed balcony, creates a cohesive aesthetic inside and out

Alucoil cladding reflects the mountainous ridges, blending the house into its surroundings

Eagles Dream’s design reflects the cascading ridges that define its dramatic West Iceland location

positioned at Hólar 6, Eagles Dream frames diverse and expansive views of West Iceland’s terrain

the house’s elevated structure embodies lightness, creating minimal disruption to the natural site

Eagles Dream blends contemporary design with local materials to harmonize with its Icelandic setting

glazing reflects the cascading mountainous ridges and frames the diverse and expansive views

project info:

name: Eagles Dream
architect: Gudmundur Jonsson Arkitektkontor | @gudmundurjonssonarkitekt

location: Hólar 6, Iceland

photography: Gunnar Sverrisson | @gunnarsverrisson

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Architectural designer Antony Gibbon introduces the Burl Treehouse, a concept for a collection of spherical, pod-like treehouses suspended within the forest. The design prioritizes a balance between structural integrity and minimal environmental impact, supported by a combination of vertical stilts and suspension cables anchored to surrounding trees. These slender supports allow the cabin-like pods to camouflage into their forested environment.

The concept is designed to accommodate a variety of sizes and layout configurations, catering to different uses and occupant needs. Each pod is accessed by a minimalistic suspension bridge that connects to an entrance door. A central circular window serves as the architectural focal point, framing immersive views of the natural surroundings. This modular approach allows flexibility, making the design adaptable for diverse landscapes and requirements.

images © Antony Gibbon

Elevated Living Among the Treetops

Architectural designer Antony Gibbon envisions the Burl House interiors to be crafted from light-toned cedar and ash wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior features cladding made of charred wood shingles, a material choice that not only adds visual contrast but also enhances durability and weather resistance. This combination of materials reinforces the treehouse’s integration with its environment while providing a sense of timelessness.

The Burl Treehouse offers a unique forest experience by elevating its inhabitants above the forest floor. The suspension bridge, leading to the pod’s entrance, enhances the sense of connection with nature, while the structural design ensures minimal disturbance to the site. Antony Gibbon’s latest concept is a continuation of his exploration of architecture that harmonizes with natural surroundings through innovative and sustainable forms.

Antony Gibbon designs the Burl Treehouse as a collection of spherical pods in the trees

the treehouses are supported by structural posts and suspension cables for stability

each pod is accessible via a minimalistic suspension bridge leading to the entrance

a circular central window serves as the focal point of the pod’s design

project info:

project title: Burl Treehouse

architecture: Antony Gibbon | @antonygibbondesigns

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