Treehouse Design Brief & Vision

Everything about THE TREEHOUSE ECO COMMUNITY celebrates the beauty of nature and fosters a deep connection with the natural environment. The award-winning eco tourism resort is sustainably built with an uncompromising commitment to the environment and conservation achieving the HIGHEST ECO-RATING FOR BUILDING AND HOSPITALITY LODGING. It has a six-star green star rating for public buildings from Green Building Council Australia. In keeping with the vision to live sustainably, the eco sanctuary utilizes natural resources to provide guests access to CARBON-NEUTRAL electricity via a combination of SOLAR AND HYDROELECTRIC assets. Importantly they are AUTHENTIC TREEHOUSES (as opposed to pole homes), suspended 10 metres in the air. They are the FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AUSTRALIA. There are 7 PRIVATE LUXURIOUS FSC TIMBER & GLASS TREEHOUSES, one of which is a full-time residence for the owners. Each has 2-3 bedrooms (dependent on the unit), full kitchen, fireplace, spa bath, rainshower with skylight, compostable toilets, ceiling-fans, louvred windows and a large covered deck and hammock off the main living area overlooking the rainforest. There is a loft that accommodates all (or some of the) bedrooms and features a skylight for stargazing. There is a master bedroom and 1-2 children's bedrooms - one with 2 single beds and another with a queen bed. Each treehouse is unique in its design and theme but adheres to the same key objectives. There's a seamless integration of the inside and outside world. You feel like you're living in the treetops - IN HARMONY WITH NATURE. Never is this forgotten. From the bedroom to the kitchen to the living room to the bathroom. Nature and its beauty are the focus. The VIEWS ARE NEVER COMPROMISED and minimally obstructed and capitalize on natural light. The space is open, spacious, and airy. There are high ceilings with lots and lots of glass and floor to ceiling wrap-around windows and concertina glass doors. Yet the deep red wood (from jarrah FSC and reclaimed timber) for the floors, ceilings, deck and accents add a warm and stunning richness and beauty that compliments the modern, chic, innovative eco-design. There is nothing rustic, country, log-cabin or cottage-like about this luxurious eco destination, either in the architectural design or furnishings. All the FURNITURE IS MADE FROM LIVE EDGE TIMBER from native trees which are used for tables, beds, sinks, counter tops, ledges and cabinetry. The interior decor does not feel typical in any way but reminds you that you are living in a tree. A living tree is a central point in each treehouse and is integrated into the design and function. There is also a SPECTACULAR TREEHOUSE FUNCTION CENTRE similar to the Ozone Eco Retreat in the Whitsundays (but in the trees) and unique in its design and much (much) smaller in scale. It's external structure and design is equally as iconic and memorable. The treehouse function centre accommodates intimate functions catering to groups of up to 30 people. It is a flexible space to be hired out for family reunions, special occasions, dinner celebrations, small weddings, meetings, yoga retreats and workshops. The space complies with the same design objectives as the tree house accommodations- breathtaking (cathedral) views and concertina glass doors that open to deep, rich wooden floors and ceilings in an elegant, open setting with a large outdoor deck. It has a bathroom and a separate commercial kitchen. There is a major storage area discretely hidden behind a wall that houses 24 stackable chairs, 8 folding tables, A/V equipment, linen, floral arrangements, dishware, decorations, yoga matts and miscellaneous event supplies. A RECEPTION AREA AND FRONT OFFICE is located upon entry to the function centre to greet and welcome guests upon arrival.The centre also has another area for a laundry room with a large commercial washing machine and dryer (to launder guests sheets and towels) and a sizeable storage place for linen, supplies and guest amenities for each treehouse (toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, shampoos, etc) An OUTDOOR PAVILLION/CABANA/GAZEBO (not treehouse but an on the ground/land structure and frame) provides another event space for larger groups of up to 40 people. It is a contemporary and stylish cover, providing shade and protection from inclement weather but open to nature's breathtaking backdrop. It is an open structure with a wooden floor. It's to be hired out for wedding ceremonies, concerts, performances, open air dining and charity events. There is a small inground OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE for 30 people for school groups and break out space for meetings. A portable fire pit can also be used here for camp fire gatherings. There is a TREEHOUSE OBSERVATION DECK giving you a birds eye view of the property. It is also a launching area for a FLYING FOX. There is an OUTDOOR (SOLAR HEATED) SALT WATER POOL & HOT TUB, DECK AND COVERED SEATING AREA. The design is in keeping with the natural landscaping incorporating ROCKERY, WATERFALL, SLIDE AND MOOD LIGHTING, The shelter has additional solar panels that heat the pool and hot tub. There are 10 MEDITATION PARK BENCHES MADE FROM LIVE EDGE TIMBER scattered amongst the property/near each treehouse, the function centre, gazebo and observation deck to relax and take in the inspirational scenery, and for quiet reflection and meditation. A SOLAR PARKING PAVILION/TREE FOR 10 VEHICLES provides solar power for the premises including the 7 treehouses and function centre. It is preferred to display solar in a discrete manner (pool area & parking) as opposed to displaying them on each treehouse where it will distract from nature and add a man-made technological look in midst of the canopy. There is a GARAGE AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT STORAGE AREA near the parking area (ie a couple of bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, surf boards and fishing gear), as well as planting and gardening supplies. The garage stores the owner's vehicle. There is an ORGANIC GARDEN and compost on-site for growing fresh produce, as well as a coupe for chickens that kindly supply eggs for breakfast. All treehouses accommodations and the function space have electricity (solar and hydro power), cross ventilation, plumbing, WIFI and phone. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the land is dedicated for conservation purposes and will never be built upon. It is a NATURE AND WILDLIFE REFUGE PROTECTED BY A CONSERVATION COVENANT. It is the legacy of the owners, Debbie and Paul Agnew. It is a tribute to Australia's precious and diverse environment. The resort’s extensive conservation work helps to re-establish and secure a future for many of the region’s 1,500 native and endangered species. Guests are encouraged to take part in tree planting and to plant a commemorative tree as part of their stay. WOODEN RAILED, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE WALKWAYS lead to the treehouses and function centre (as opposed to ladders). 10 KMS OF SCENIC BUSHWALKING TRAILS & TRACKS to explore the national park.