Tree House by the Lake l H2

Tree House by the Lake: Embracing Nature, Childhood, and Sustainability

More than seven decades have passed, yet my memories of those unforgettable summers remain vivid. Back then, the scorching sun would bear down on us, but our children would seek refuge under the canopy of an ancient tree, coming together to build a small tent, which we affectionately named the “House.” This leafy abode shielded us from the sun’s harsh rays and provided a space for joyous play and heartwarming stories. Those simple moments in the hut we nurtured our souls amidst the humble countryside setting.

© Dũng Huỳnh

The Story of Tree House by The Lake

During one of our initial visits to the project, an elderly family man shared his cherished childhood memories, expressing his wish for his grandchildren to experience the same beautiful moments he had experienced. This heartfelt desire led to the creation of “Tree House by the Lake,” nestled among the perennial conch forest, blessed with serene waters and breathtaking scenery in the tranquil countryside. We endeavored to construct this project with a strong sense of humanity and a focus on environmental preservation.

© Dũng Huỳnh

As humans, we have achieved comfort and development, but it often comes at a cost to the environment, our health, and community cohesion. Recognizing this, the older man sought to provide his dear grandchildren with an experience that fosters connection, fun, and learning in harmony with nature.
Thus, during the survey process, we aimed to maintain the inherent peacefulness of the countryside by creating a structure that seamlessly integrates with nature, moving away from massive concrete buildings. To achieve this, we utilized recycled materials, commonly known as “scrap,” sourced from old works or acquired at affordable prices from nearby construction sites, with the intent to minimize the impact on the existing landscape.

© Dũng Huỳnh

The term “scrap” typically refers to discarded materials that are either recycled to create new products or dumped into the environment, potentially causing harm. However, we chose to breathe new life into these materials, reusing them to minimize their environmental impact while they remain functional. The building design harmonizes with nature through these reclaimed materials and architectural solutions, promoting open spaces that bring people closer to nature and each other.

© Dũng Huỳnh

Drawing inspiration from the lush surroundings, the stories of the grandfather’s childhood hut, and the gentle breeze from the lake, we envisioned a tree house that would bask in the coolness and tranquility of the countryside. “Tree House by the Lake” emerged from the earth, relying on the mighty mother-of-pearl trees and adorned with the aged appearance of recycled materials that seem to have been part of the landscape for years. We sought to create an environment that not only nurtures the love of nature but also pays homage to the grandfather’s cherished hut, a gift to be passed on to future generations.

© Dũng Huỳnh

The Tree House by The Lake boasts a rustic and idyllic exterior adorned with the weathered charm of recycled materials. Inside, the simplicity and lightness of the design allow sunlight, wind, and the presence of trees to play an active role. The children were filled with wonder and joy when they entered their new home. The freedom they felt was akin to fish in the water as they explored, learned, and played to their heart’s content, truly embracing their innate instincts.

© Dũng Huỳnh

By encouraging the practice of “reuse” and “recycle” for materials deemed as “scrap,” we contribute to protecting our environment and nurturing a sustainable model for development. The building’s design relies on steel structures and recycled corrugated iron, allowing for flexibility in relocation without causing harm to the natural surroundings. When the building’s lifecycle eventually ends, it will be dismantled, and its materials will rejoin the recycling loop, leaving behind no trace of its existence and restoring the peace of the land.
Through our efforts to renew and reuse “scrap” materials responsibly, we hope to spread awareness and inspire others to adopt similar practices. We dream that one day, our living environments will thrive, benefiting both humanity and nature.

© Dũng Huỳnh

Essentially, “Tree House by the Lake” is a testament to our commitment to humanity and environmental stewardship. By fostering a deep connection between people and nature, we nurture a generation that values and protects the gifts bestowed upon us by Mother Nature. Tree House by The Lake serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that harmonious coexistence with our environment is possible and enriching for all.

© Dũng Huỳnh

As we embark on our journey toward sustainable development, let us implement a 3R campaign: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This philosophy ensures that the materials we use daily have a longer and more meaningful life cycle, reducing waste and minimizing our environmental impact. By adopting this approach, we not only preserve our resources but also contribute to a better, greener world for generations to come.

© Dũng Huỳnh

Tree House by the Lake is a sanctuary that epitomizes the essence of humanity, nature, and sustainability. Through thoughtful design and the conscious use of recycled materials, the project seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape, becoming a testament to the power of responsible architecture.
As the children laugh and play under the comforting shade of the trees, they unknowingly become part of a more significant movement that seeks to protect and preserve the beauty of our planet. With each recycled material and every sustainable choice, we take a step closer to the harmonious coexistence we all yearn for – a world where humanity thrives while Mother Nature flourishes.

© Dũng Huỳnh

Project Info:

  • Architects: H2
  • Area: 120 m²
  • Year: 2022
  • Photographs: Dũng Huỳnh
  • Construction: 90’House
  • Design Team: Trần Văn Huynh, Nguyễn Đức Khánh, Nguyễn Duy Thế,
  • Iron Works: Mr. Thành
  • Windows Contrator: Thịnh Phát
  • Country: Vietnam
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