The long, winding 'tree snake houses' nestle among the trees in Pedras Salgadas Park in Portugal.
The houses are so called because of their unconventional design that sees their modular shape as being adaptive to its natural surroundings. Designed by Luis Rebelo de Andrade and Tiago Rebelo de Andrade, the houses have a walkway that leads to a suspended house that takes its place between a host of trees. The houses are limited to two inhabitants, but the aim of the houses is to "recreate the fantasy of tree houses" without having to climb vertically upwards, since the structures are connected to the elevated flatland by a walkway. While the houses are constructed entirely of timber, the outside of the serpent-like buildings are covered in slate tiles, mimicking the rough, scabrous scales of a snake.
Inside the tree snake houses, the symmetrical, vertically stretched rooms have an elevated bed at the end with a rectangular window above and in front that overlooks the forest, while a meandering walkway connects to a sofa and some steps. On each side of the corridor leading to the living room, there is a kitchen and a toilet.
Stretched Serpent-Like Dwellings
The Tree Snake Houses Stretch Out into the Forest
Trend Themes
1. Modular Adaptation - The unconventional design of the 'tree snake houses' showcases the potential for modular housing that can seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings.
2. Vertical Stretched Living - The vertically stretched rooms in the tree snake houses offer a unique living experience with elevated beds and panoramic views of the forest, indicating the trend towards maximizing vertical space in residential architecture.
3. Nature-inspired Aesthetics - The use of slate tiles to mimic the scales of a snake on the exterior of the tree snake houses highlights the growing trend of incorporating nature-inspired aesthetics in building design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - The modular and adaptive design of the tree snake houses presents an opportunity for architects and construction companies to explore innovative solutions for blending architecture with nature.
2. Real Estate - The concept of vertically stretched living in the tree snake houses offers a unique selling point for real estate developers seeking to offer distinctive and immersive residential experiences.
3. Interior Design - The symmetrical layout and elevated beds in the tree snake houses provide inspiration for interior designers to create functional and aesthetically pleasing small spaces within vertical structures.