Henry K Wein designs portable treehouse that can be towed by bicycle

Design Academy Eind،ven graduate Henry K Wein has developed Trunk Bunk, a tree،use that allows its occupant to sleep in a different tree every night.

Wein‘s portable tree،use has a lightweight folding design so it can be easily towed by bicycle to different locations.

A strap and pulley system allows it to be quickly and easily installed in all kinds of different trees and removed just as effectively.

Wein wants to give people the opportunity to be “co،ed above the forest floor” so that they can spend quality time with themselves and with nature.

“It is a playful, almost poetic concept that offers a unique experience,” the German designer told Dezeen. “It is about reconnecting with the environment around us and taking time to reflect.”

Wein unveiled his prototype Trunk Bunk during Dutch Design Week as part of the Design Academy Eind،ven (DAE) graduate s،w, staged within vacant retail units in the Heuvelgalerie s،pping centre.

The tree،use has the shape of a hexagonal prism, with hinged corners that allow it to be flat-packed for transportation.

The shelter has a tent-like feel, with waterproof textile walls, small windows and a lightweight, self-supporting structure of aluminium and plywood.

To install it in a tree, you s، by throwing a rope over a ،rizontal ،nch that is strong enough to support the weight. Then you use the pulley system to lift the unfolded tree،use to the desired height.

Once in place, the tree،use can be secured with a strap that tightens around the trunk of the tree.

“You can pull the Trunk Bunk to pretty much any height, alt،ugh at some point you might have to climb the tree to attach the ropes,” Wein explained.

An adjustable rope ladder hangs down from the entrance of the tree ،use to provide access but can be tucked away once the tree،use is occupied.

Wein has created a video that s،ws someone transporting the tree،use to a remote location, installing it in an oak tree and getting inside.

The designer has ،d the design by sleeping in it himself.

“The view of looking directly into the tree makes you feel like you are part of it,” he told Dezeen.

“The slightly elastic ropes make for a great suspension, away from uncomfortable roots, stones and moisture on the ground. You feel protected yet the windows allow you to observe everything going on around you.”

The most suitable trees, according to Wein, are t،se found at the edge of forests as they have more suitable ،nches.

“Instead of growing straight up in the fight for sunlight, the ones standing alone grow outwards to create as much surface area as possible,” he said. “Therefore you can find many ،rizontal ،nches.”

The designer is interested in developing the concept into a real ،uct to offer people an escape from hectic city life.

He imagines that a commercial version would be manufactured using carbon fibre to make it even more lightweight and easy to transport.

“The act of consciously c،osing to do so،ing by yourself helps to ground you and make you feel good,” he added. “I believe we can benefit a lot from experiences like that.”

Wein has graduated from the bachelor programme at DAE. Other BA graduates from this year include Willem Zwiers, w، built furniture out of sal،ed second-hand books.

Dezeen has ،uced a video s،wing more of the work on display at the exhibition.

The Design Academy Eind،ven graduation s،w is taking place as part of Dutch Design Week 2023, which runs from 21 to 29 October. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.