Peter Pichler Architecture designs sustainable Tree Houses in Dawson Lake, West Virginia

ARCHITECTURE

The Tree Houses will be an addition to a hotel and should create a new experience to live in the woods with a maximum connection to nature. The geometry with its sharp steep roof is inspired by the surrounding maple, poplar, and oak trees and will be made of local wood.

The size of the units ranges from 35-45 m² on 2 levels. The lower level is a small reading/lounge area, and the upper level the sleeping area with a small bathroom. The two levels are connected with a small internal stair.

The project is conceived as a "slow down"- form of tourism where nature and the integration of architecture in it plays a primary role. "We believe that the future of tourism is based on the relationship of the human being with nature. Well integrated, sustainable architecture can amplify this relationship, nothing else is needed".

LOCATION

Dawson Lake is a stunning example of West Virginia’s “Wild and Wonderful” landscape, featuring a spring-fed 40-acre lake, restored meadows, streams and wetlands, and over 100 acres of perpetual land easements that form a protected habitat for native species.

Dawson Lake will become a “living laboratory” for regenerative approaches to building design, agriculture, and land-use that reach beyond minimizing environmental impacts to actually improving the ecosystem’s health and resilience. The project's aim is to reshape the prospect for a sustainable future.

Dawson Lake will be the first luxury destination resort designed to meet the Living Building Challenge guidelines for net-zero energy and environmental impact, and the well standard for healthy interiors.

The project will encompass sustainable buildings, conference and event center, a food and agriculture hub, health and wellness proposals, sustainable education workshops and a vast visual and performing arts programming.

PETER PICHLER ARCHITECTURE TEAM:

PPA Principals: Peter Pichler, Silvana Ordinas

PPA Design Team: Daniele Colombati, Gianluigi D´Aloisio, Giovanni Paterlini, Marco Caprani