A musical treehouse inspired in form by the Eburiko Fungi was the entry for the ‘Treehouses at Kew 2023’ competition.

Visitors would encounter this installation when viewing the Black Pine tree. The treehouse is comprised of an organic CLT structure clad in timber wind flutes; an immersive experience of both visual and auditory delight. The treehouse will play music acting as a voice for nature, as the wind travels through the holes of the timber pipes.

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Designed sensitively not to dominate the black pine as the tree can still be viewed through the permeable facade.

The Eburiko fungi has been assessed by the IUCN red list of threatened species, treasured for it’s medicinal properties, the Eburiko variety is in decline and is already seen to be extinct in Spain. It has been observed to grow in some coniferous trees. The utilisation of the natural forces- wind, within the design mimics one of the methods which the fungus spores spreads.

The treehouse design is 13m (height) x 11m (width) and is accessed through a gentle ramp as it is raised slightly from the ground, making it very accessible to all. The auditory element of the design will also appeal to visitors who are visually impaired.