Sweden’s northern region is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, expansive forests, and distinctive biosphere. The area experiences stark contrasts between the four seasons, which influences the architectural design. Buildings here are highly adaptable and primarily constructed using local wood and stone to withstand the harsh climate. Nestled in Lapland, the Treehotel offers a diverse range of guest rooms and cabins, each uniquely designed to harmonize with the forest surroundings.
The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) partnered with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman to design the Treehotel’s eighth guest room, named the “Biosphere.” This unique space is based on experiential design principles. Suspended within the Haraz Forest, the room is surrounded by 350 birdhouses, creating habitats for local bird species and enhancing the surrounding biosphere. Guests staying here can fully immerse themselves in the forest environment.
This treetop hotel room, encircled by bird nests, aims to help reverse the declining forest bird populations. Its design supports the local biosphere and natural habitats, contributing to environmental preservation.
Ulf Öhman, President of the Norrbotten Bird Association, explains: “Our research as ornithologists and members of the county administrative committee in Norrbotten County shows a decline in various bird populations. Forestry development has reduced the availability of natural tree cavities essential for birds to nest. Installing bird nests has become a vital conservation measure.”
“Furthermore, climate change has caused an earlier surge in insect populations this year, meaning that when bird eggs hatch, the peak insect abundance has already passed, leading to a shortage of food for the birds. Therefore, one key strategy for bird protection in northern Sweden is to provide supplemental feeding, especially during winter. Whether at treetop hotels or private homes, installing bird nests and offering food significantly supports bird survival.”
“Protecting birds in this region holds great importance. This is why the Treehotel created the ‘Biosphere’ room, aiming to inspire guests to engage in bird conservation efforts.”
Access to the “Biosphere” rooms is via suspension bridges that connect the ground to the treetop structures. The 34-square-meter interior features rich dark tones and organic materials, reflecting the surrounding landscape. This design encourages guests to look outward, allowing them to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the environment.
The interior of the “Biosphere” room is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. Its “open-closed” concept allows the architects to create a variety of rich experiences within a compact space. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace near the tree canopy, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the forest.
This guest room can adapt spatially by varying the size of individual bird nests. Based on the types and visitation frequency of birds throughout the year, natural light filters through numerous facade gaps, ensuring continuous outward views while maintaining privacy.
The “Biosphere” is enveloped by an ecological habitat, allowing guests to closely experience life alongside birds. They can feel as if they are “hovering” above a natural oscillation center, enjoying ever-changing views in every direction.
Inside, the room features a triple-glass facade balanced by an outer facade composed of hundreds of bird nests. This combination creates an intimate and immersive natural experience for visitors.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Base profile map
△ Axonometric diagram
△ Internal space schematic
△ Structural schematic
△ Exterior skin schematic
△ Ground floor plan
△ Upper floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Facade schematic
△ Facade schematic
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group
Area: 34 m²
Project Year: 2022
Location: Sweden
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