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Tree Bach: Housing at its technological best

Tree houses are not uncommon. What is uncommon is how Jono Williams has turned tree house construction into a technological art form. The 24 year old engineer cum graphic designer from Palmerston, New Zealand started out at the age of eight and has ten such structures to his credit till date. Here we will take a look at his most recent construction, the Best Hut, otherwise called the Tree Bach.

 

Features:

We find Jono at his sophisticated best with this latest treehouse. The 12 meter square hut has LED lighting and rainwater harvesting mechanism. It also boasts a stainless steel contraption that functions as a room heater cum water heater plus serves barbecuing purposes. But, the prime asset is the remote controlled drawbridge which is used to access it.

Construction:

A group of twelve friends started work on the house in January 2010. Jono, the team leader, provided the blue print and the technological inputs. His brother, a licensed builder, dealt with the constructional basics. The friends who all held full time day jobs chiefly worked nights to put up the structure.

Donations and price:

Even as a kid, Jono was nothing if not resourceful. He used scrap material salvaged from neighborhood yards to build his tree houses. Today he uses the social platform of Facebook to ask friends for scrap donations. The Best Hut is made from such recyclable materials and salvaged waste from his parents’ farm. The radio controlled drawbridge is itself the product of recycled timber and upcycled gate motor. As a consequence, building costs tallied only up to $1700.

Economical:

Economical it may be, but no risks have been taken with the structural soundness of the treehouse. Computerized stress simulations with 5000kg load have been conducted to ensure strength and safety. Jono Williams, along with his team, is now busy furnishing the snug retreat. However, given his age and enthusiasm, this promises to be just the beginning of his tree housing projects.

Via: Inhabitat

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