Not Just a Tree-house but a Tree-in-the-House

Why settle for a tree-house when you can have a tree-in-the-house? We're not talking about your average Christmas decoration, but four storeys of architecture wrapped around a living, adult-sized fir tree. This one may well call for a revision of our top ten tree-houses for grown-ups.

A. Masow Design Studio have installed the invention in the Almaty Mountains, Kazakhstan. Cylindrical in shape, the tree-in-the-house features hardwood floors, a spiral staircase and glass walls and ceiling. A hole through the middle provides room for the trunk and branches, as well as a neat method for the disposal of organic waste.

According to the designer, Almasov Aibek, the creation offers an immersive natural experience, encouraging us to "feel more fusion with nature and give up some unnecessary conditions and things", and to cultivate "spiritual and creative development ... It was to be a place where you could sit with a friend and discuss ideas and philosophise".

A. Masow Design Studio's other visionary works include the isolated, solar-powered ImagineHouse; a minimalist loft in New York City; an energy-efficient art gallery on Manhattan; and a design centre for Astana, Kazakhstan.

Via PSFK.