△ Aerial view by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Venue
In June this year, Starry Sky Architecture Studio took part in the Jungle Tree House International Design Competition, hosted by AG360.
The project site is located on San Andrés Island, a Caribbean island belonging to Colombia. To the northeast lies Johnny Cay, the island’s largest and most significant reef. This stunning natural feature, along with swaying palm trees, pristine white sandy beaches, and warm sunshine, creates an irresistible destination for vacationers seeking snorkeling, relaxation, and scenic beauty.
Johnny Cay as captured by Joel Wilson
The base is situated centrally on the island, connecting the southwest tourist center with the endless sea to the east. Within this base, dense palm groves and winding paths create a natural sanctuary. Our design features five jungle treehouses nestled in the forest. Each treehouse includes two rooms accommodating two guests, alongside service areas such as a restaurant and kitchen. The combined built area of all five treehouses is approximately 120 square meters.
A palm tree-covered site photographed by Joel Wilson
Concept
Standing on this site, surrounded by the sea and palm trees, inspired vivid imagery.
From the balcony, one can watch the waves endlessly roll in, leaving trails of white foam. Lying in bed, the gentle summer sea breeze rustles through every palm leaf. Enjoying breakfast in the restaurant, sunlight streams through round windows as you contemplate whether to dive into the sparkling sea or sunbathe lazily on the beach.
As the vision for the treehouse took shape, the design followed naturally. Surrounded by palm trees on all sides, why not emulate a palm fruit? Conceived as a ‘fruit’ hidden in a tropical island, this residence can only be found by walking along rocky paths—a jungle treehouse brimming with vibrant South American charm.
△ Close-up of Tree House by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Design
The five treehouses are scattered along rocky paths, suspended within the palm groves. Each features two oval-shaped rooms of varying sizes, mimicking the natural form of palm fruit and avoiding harsh edges to seamlessly blend with the environment. These rooms are connected by steel staircases wrapped around palm trunks, creating clear functional zones with private spaces.
△ From Palm Fruit to Tree House by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
The larger room serves as the main living area, complete with bedroom and bathroom. Opening the glass door leads to a balcony with panoramic views of the sea and palms. The smaller room functions as a service space, equipped with a bar and dining table—perfect for intimate meals, gatherings, or drinks for two.
Panoramic bedroom view by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
△ Restaurant Interior by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Construction
△ Construction process by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
The treehouse structure is divided into upper and lower sections. The upper part features a wooden room constructed with three directional wooden beams. The lower part consists of three interconnected steel columns that provide support. Steel hoops connect the staircases to the palm trunks, with the structural system fully detached from the two rooms.
△ Tree House Close-Up by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
△ Structural System Diagram by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
The exterior facade is clad with staggered red cedar wooden tiles, arranged from bottom to top along a circular positioning line on the wooden frame. Due to the building’s organic shape, installation starts from the bottom, with special patterns at both the bottom and top to enhance the overall visual effect.
△ Diagram showing tile overlap by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
△ Roof tiles by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Project Drawings
△ General plan by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
△ Floor plan by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
△ Sectional drawing by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Wall material sample by Starry Sky Architecture Studio
Project Information
Project Name: Jungle Tree House
Location: Johnny Cay, San Andrés, Colombia
Design Completion: 2022
Building Area: 120 square meters
Design Team: Ji Xin, Ge Jiaqi
Competition Organizer: AG360
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