A remarkable eco-tourism project has emerged in the metasequoia forest of Wuhan's Dongxihu District, where migratory birds gather among ancient trees. Secret Camp, a groundbreaking collaboration between United Investment Merryda Hotel Management Group and Wiki World, represents a revolutionary approach to sustainable accommodation that functions simultaneously as lodging, art installation, and environmental showcase.
More than a dozen uniquely designed treehouses now rise through the forest canopy along Cihui Street, each carefully positioned to ensure no existing trees were damaged during construction. The innovative project stems from Wiki World's Wiki Building School initiative, which focuses on pushing the boundaries of human coexistence with nature while maintaining ecological integrity.
Each treehouse possesses its own distinct personality and architectural narrative. The Time Machine structure features gleaming futuristic silver cladding that captures and reflects sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. Nomadic Land offers a cozy capsule-like experience designed for temporary wanderers seeking connection with nature. The Playground treehouse incorporates playful circulation paths that weave creatively around existing branches, appealing to visitors' sense of adventure and wonder.
Additional structures include Daydream, which utilizes mirrored cladding to virtually disappear into the forest environment, creating an almost mystical experience for guests. Red Windmill stands as a bold, bright beacon within the green canopy, while Unicorn takes a vertical approach with its distinctive loft design and silver panels that evoke mythical storytelling elements.
The project's significance extends far beyond its whimsical names and striking visual designs. The creators drew direct inspiration from the forest ecosystem itself, incorporating elements inspired by local bird species, scattered seed patterns, and the organic forms that nature creates without human intervention. Every structure sits elevated on carefully engineered timber platforms, ensuring the forest floor remains completely untouched and preserving the natural woodland ecosystem.
This thoughtful approach embodies Wiki World's "Build Small, Dream Big" philosophy, demonstrating that comfortable human habitation can coexist with environmental preservation without dominating or disrupting natural settings. The project proves that sustainable tourism doesn't require sacrificing comfort or creative expression.
Secret Camp transforms the entire forest into a dynamic open-air gallery where art occurs organically within the natural environment. Throughout the year, temporary art installations appear among the trees, creative workshops bring together artistic minds, and exhibitions celebrate the intricate relationship between human creativity and wildlife conservation. The Forest Reception area serves as a vibrant community hub where visitors engage in hands-on activities such as constructing birdhouses, studying natural materials, and participating in educational projects that blur traditional boundaries between accommodation and environmental education.
The facility also hosts the annual Sino-French Construction Festival, which attracts individuals passionate about sustainable building practices and small-scale living solutions. This international event fosters cross-cultural dialogue about environmental responsibility and innovative architectural approaches.
The technical aspects of construction reveal the project's serious commitment to environmental responsibility and cutting-edge sustainable design. Every structure utilizes digitally modeled glued laminated timber, precision-engineered and prefabricated off-site to minimize disruption to the forest environment during the construction phase. The modular design centers around an efficient 2-meter-wide concept that allows for architectural variation while maintaining high construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Hand-fired carbonized wood panels provide each cabin with natural finishing and superior weather resistance, while small metal joints make the entire system completely reversible. This innovative approach means the treehouses could be completely disassembled and relocated without leaving any permanent trace on the forest environment, embodying principles of truly sustainable architecture.
The elevated design philosophy ensures zero ground contact and eliminates any need for artificial landscaping, allowing the forest to maintain its natural rhythms and seasonal cycles while providing humans with an unprecedented opportunity to experience life within the forest canopy. This approach creates accommodation that enhances visitors' environmental awareness rather than diminishing it, fostering deeper connections between guests and the natural world surrounding them.
