Imagined to allow flexible floorplans and to encourage a more organic approach to country living, the Treehouse is a modular system which capitalises on the beauty of its setting whilst minimising its impact upon it. The layout, along with panoramic windows, maximise benefit of the sun path, orientated so the kitchen enjoys morning light whilst the living and bedroom spaces have the pleasure of the sunset and twilight.

The flexible form, comprised of modular prefabricated sections, enables configurations ranging from one to five bedrooms. As illustrated, the Treehouse would provide 300m² of internal floor space along with 200m² of roof terrace and could be installed on site in approximately two weeks.

The extremely low-maintenance concept incorporates many features which reduce its environmental impact and maximise its self-sustainability. The piled foundations supporting the tripod legs are specifically designed to avoid tree root damage and ground surface impact. Rainwater is collected around the perimeter at roof level and is filtered and stored in a large tank located within the central core, providing enough water for toilet flushing, laundry and bathing. Solar cells are built into the roof perimeter and the ‘belly’ contains undulating kinetic baffles that capture wind power to generate electricity. Combined with top quality insulating techniques, natural cross-ventiation enhanced by the baffles and 'smart' triple glazing, the Treehouse is designed to be 70% energy self-sufficient.

Roll out cost (50+ houses): £0.5million each