Technology

MirrorCube Takes Tree Houses to a Whole New Level

Adult Tree House, MirrorCube, Reflects Environment With More Modern Comforts

(Photo: MirrorCube)

This is no little boy’s homemade tree house. Can you even see it? The MirrorCube, formerly Treehotel, is covered in mirrors that reflect nature around it.

Designed by Scandinavian architects Tham & Videgård as a prefabricated way to “experience nature on nature’s terms,” yet with many of unexpected comforts and modern conveniences of a more traditional home.

Adult Tree House, MirrorCube, Reflects Environment With More Modern Comforts

(Photo: MirrorCube)

According to Gizmodo, the houses are wired for electricity with a freeze toilet and can house up to four people. Although the glorified tree house has a bedroom, bathroom, living room and a roof terrace, it does come with a kitchen.

Adult Tree House, MirrorCube, Reflects Environment With More Modern Comforts

Living room with ladder headed up to terrace. (Photo: MirrorCube)

The mirrored exterior, as you might image, could pose a problem for wildlife like birds. But the developers have this problem under control:

From a distance it is almost impossible to spot since it melts into its surrounding environment. An infrared film, invisible to humans but highly visible to birds has been installed in the glass.

Adult Tree House, MirrorCube, Reflects Environment With More Modern Comforts

(Photo: MirrorCube)

The tree you decide to anchor the MirrorCube to is visible running up the interior but the house is also anchored with cables connecting it to the ground outside.

If you’re interested in this adult version of a tree house adventure, it will cost you a pretty penny. Gizmodo reports that before shipping the ensemble costs 275,000 Euro — that’s $377,932.50 If it makes the price any easier to swallow, the interior furniture is included.

Comments (13)

  • ImChiquita
    Posted on November 11, 2011 at 10:28am

    If we’re going for tree houses, well….I myself like the Swiss Family Robinson’s multi-level structure. Oh, AND their location.

    Report Post »  
  • csehlmeyer
    Posted on November 10, 2011 at 9:50pm

    Today Stu talked about people that write comments and display their ignorance all because they are given the privilage to comment. As I write this the headline above the comment section reads, “CSEHLMEYER, SPEAK YOUR MIND.” Here goes. After listening to Stu and Pat during the Fourth Hour talk about todays issues I‘ve come to the conclusion that they’re correct. Most of the comments are pretty poor in intelligence. I’m not that good either. I don’t think of half of the observations about the news that they do. That’s probably why I listen to them. I learn a lot. Hi Stu !!!

    Report Post » csehlmeyer  
  • MeteoricLimbo
    Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:51am

    trees grow

    Report Post » MeteoricLimbo  
  • grayling646
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 7:38pm

    That poor tree.

    Report Post »  
  • jeffyfreezone
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 7:26pm

    Pricey, but cool!

    Report Post »  
  • Jayms
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 10:40am

    I’d live there. Not for that price, though.

    Report Post »  
  • Cat
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 9:28am

    Umm … old concept
    There are a few people who own elevated octagon houses.
    Burt Reynolds has one on his ranch in Jupiter, Florida (circa 1970)
    They’re similar to this cube, with the following exceptions;

    Eight facets in lieu of four
    They’re build on a single pedestal
    They’re usually reinforced lightweight concrete in order to get greater cantilever
    Although Burt’s is a combination of reinforced masonry and wood
    Burt’s octo-house has an elevator, a well, a septic tank and a landing strip nearby

    In the cube
    The main anchor tree continues to grow, then what?
    Also, seems to be an awful lot of wood in and around the cube
    Remember, “Only you can prevent forest fires!”
    A freeze toilet might be one that uses anti-freeze in lieu of water.
    With steps and ramps, the cube is not ADA compliant, so much for our friends in wheelchairs

    Solar panels might work but consideration for the sun’s azimuth is a bit tricky with vertical panels
    At 8.35 lbs per gallon, a cistern capable of supporting four could become too heavy for the structure to support
    Nice use of mirrors though
    Doubt it could be used as a hunting blind … might spook the deer

    Report Post » Cat  
  • MrObvious
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 7:13am

    Sounds easy enough to self build an equivalent.
    Even if the mirrors were really solar panels, top of the line materials were used for everything, a rain catch/purifier and a hidden waste removal system were installed/dug it would be far less expensive than that. Also, the long ramp kind of spoils it. For that kind of money, one would expect an elevator.

    Report Post »  
  • brickmoon
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:43am

    I checked the MirrorCube site and did a search, but couldn’t find out exactly what a “freeze toilet” is. They say it also has heated toilet seats. I hope they never get the wiring mixed up!

    Report Post » brickmoon  
  • AnAppealToGod
    Posted on November 8, 2011 at 1:03am

    I wish. Too much damn $$$$ though

    Report Post » AnAppealToGod  

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