With PAN Treetop, Norwegian architect Espen Surnevik decided to transform the famous idea of the treehouse that some adults long to live in. Thus, his proposal points to living at the same height as these trees, instead of living in the trees.

These prefabricated houses, which combine the design of the traditional Nordic hut with a double-slope roof and the surrealist houses of Tove Jansson’s Moomin cartoons, rise 8 meters above the ground on steel poles to offer visitors a unique experience in terms of getting closer to nature. Although Surnevik admits that the constructions installed in the trees offer humans the possibility of experiencing the natural environment more intensely, he chose to privilege other premises.

First, is the importance of respecting the environment and leaving a minimal footprint on it. Second, to provide greater privacy and security to the users of the cabins from overly curious animals.

Not suitable for people with vertigo

A person who experiences vertigo won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of the Norwegian forests that Pan Treetop offers. And not only because of the height of the cabins, but also because the cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow a panoramic view from that height.

However, those who can do so will discover the particular angle that the architect included in them to take advantage of the sun’s path and maximize the natural light that enters through its large windows. Not to mention that this ingenious detail helps keep the rooms warm during the long Norwegian summer.

Equipped with pine wood floors and walls, and textiles made of local wool dyed in the colors of the forest to create a “warm and intimate atmosphere,” these tourist lodging houses were designed for the enterprising couple Kristian Rostad and Christine Mowinckel. Located in a forest of Finnskogen, in the district of Hedmark (Norway), they are close to the Swedish border and only a couple of hours from Oslo by car.

Elevated on a lightweight steel structure, you can access the cabins through spiral staircases that rise alongside their slender pillars and connect to an elevated walkway leading to sheltered entrances. Additionally, each PAN Treetop has a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a mezzanine with a double bed. Additional beds are hidden within the walls, which can be folded out when required.

So, what do you say, are you up for a vacation at tree level?