The task of the project was to place a tree observatory in the city forest of Celje, where it would serve pedagogical interpretations of urban forest contents and functions. We placed the house on a small topographic plateau along the forest path, connecting it with the park and the city centre.

The site was defined by six trees, positioned around an open space. The geometry of the object follows this composition: pairs of primary beams connect the six trees and at their intersection tree pillars are added to help carry the platform (radial-circular construction at 6m highth). On it a constructively logical, yet complex secondary geometry was established: a volume with six »fingers« and terraces between them. The image of the main building follows the free hexagonal composition of trees and evoces an archetypal image: a solar sign, windmill, vegetable form, etc. It interprets ethno-mythological symbols from universal history of mankind (»svarica«), but also nature and its principles, where urban and natural, abstract and organic 'visual language' merge.

We reach the house through a tower of spiral staircases. The logic of the interior is a double one: it offers a central space for gatherings and events (lighted by an oculus above its centre) and six extended volumes that reach into the forest, each oriented towards a significant tree. From outside they slightly over hang the platform to form a dynamic site-specific shape, that changes with each viewpoint. The roof design also follows the geometry of the building.

The house is all done in wood from the Celje city forest itself, thereby lifting the standards of sustainability, incl. high rate of CO2 sink. During construction we added wooden benches and a stage to create an amphitheater for different outdoor events.

The building has become a landmark of the Celje forest and has overgrown its original function - today it serves very diverse functions: exibitions, cultural and contemplative events, team buildings, etc.

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Tree House in Celje Urban Forest

3, Lisce, Celje, Slovenia

Other Projects by Atelje Ostan Pavlin

Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park

Exhibition design for the new master plan for Ljubljana, 2008

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Public urban design competition for abandoned quarry in Podutik, Ljubljana (2009, 1.prize)

The City Museum collection of Črnomelj

Renovation in a historic building

Wooden extension to an existing house

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Extension of the high-water wall with urban amenities along the Mura in Gornja Radgona

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Renovation of a residential house in Ljubljana

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Cycling and Pedestrian Bridge in Bohinj Slovenia

Tree House in Celje Urban Forest

3, Lisce, Celje, Slovenia

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

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Tree House in Celje Urban Forest

3, Lisce, Celje, Slovenia

Other Projects by Atelje Ostan Pavlin

Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park

Exhibition design for the new master plan for Ljubljana, 2008

Canopy for an ancient trunk

Public urban design competition for abandoned quarry in Podutik, Ljubljana (2009, 1.prize)

The City Museum collection of Črnomelj

Renovation in a historic building

Wooden extension to an existing house

Cycling route Bohinj

Outdoor classroom

Extension of the high-water wall with urban amenities along the Mura in Gornja Radgona

Family Chapel near Bovec

Renovation of a residential house in Ljubljana

Treasury of Črnomelj

Farewell Chapel in Apače

Cycling and Pedestrian Bridge in Bohinj Slovenia

Tree House in Celje Urban Forest

3, Lisce, Celje, Slovenia

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team