WH studio's nanxi hotel inspired by clustered treehouses and leaf anatomy

The Nanxi Tree House, or ‘Treehouse 2.0,’ is a refined iteration of WH Studio’s first treehouse design. While the Xianghu Treehouse emphasized integration with natural surroundings using a ‘nest’ concept, the new design abstracts organic forms, inspired specifically by the structure of leaves. Unlike traditional treehouses, this design emphasizes suspended forms and a lightweight structural system, bringing new perspectives to the familiar retreat experience.

Biomimicry and Structural Inspiration from Leaf Anatomy

The Nanxi hotel’s design by WH Studio draws from the structural form of leaves, particularly the Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest tree species. Ginkgo leaves feature a fan shape and simple, clear vein structures that provide resilience against wind and rain. In the Nanxi Tree House, WH Studio mimics this structure through fan-shaped rooms and cantilevered supports that extend from the main ‘root’ of each unit. The guest rooms are staggered at different heights and angles to maximize sunlight exposure and scenic views, achieving a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Each guest unit operates as an independent structure, allowing for a visually organic arrangement and reducing the interference from vibrations caused by the cantilevered steel structure. Like the trunk of a tree, three main steel columns support the primary load of the building, with fan-like structural columns forming a stable triangular base. This assembly, combined with carefully placed smaller steel columns and window frames, results in a suspended and light-filled architectural experience, creating a floating effect without replicating specific tree elements.

wh studio frames Scenic Views

The interior layout of each unit is designed to balance privacy and connectivity with nature. A straight partition wall creates a flowing transition from the entry to the living area, and each room features a curved balcony approximately twelve meters (39 feet) long, offering unobstructed views. The fan-shaped floor plan and simple, clean interior aesthetic enhance the visual experience of ‘floating’ amidst the tree canopies.

Standing at a maximum height of 14.4 meters, each of the three treehouses contains six guest rooms at varying elevations. To meet local safety standards, WH Studio incorporated two staircases per unit, integrating one as a hidden interior stairwell and the other as an open exterior structure. This dual-stair solution satisfies safety requirements while enhancing the building’s visual dynamism, giving guests the option to experience the space through distinct pathways.

project info:

name: Nanxi Happy Pastoral Wild Hotel Tree House

architect: WH Studio

location: Yibin, China

area: 1689 square meters

completion: 2024

photography: © Prism Image

kat barandy /designboom