The Hug unveiled for the 2026 Bonsai Treehouse Exhibition
3 July 2026
We are delighted to unveil The Hug / 抱擁 / Hōyō, our winning treehouse design for the 2026 Bonsai Treehouse Exhibition, organised by the Museum of Architecture in response to this year’s theme, Together.
The concept was developed during our Summer Practice Day, where the practice took part in an in-house design competition. Working in teams of three to five, colleagues explored imaginative responses to the brief, generating a wide range of ideas centred on connection, accessibility and the relationship between people and nature.
Through a series of collaborative workshops and sketch sessions, a shared ambition emerged: to create a place that brings people together while treading lightly on the natural environment. Concepts ranged from suspended pods nestled within the tree canopy, offering moments of calm and reflection, to wraparound structures designed to maximise daylight, views and opportunities for social interaction.
Selected as the winning proposal, The Hug draws inspiration from Japanese design principles, particularly origami and shoji paper, to create a light, translucent structure that expresses warmth through simplicity. The design reflects many of our core architectural values, balancing beauty, inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
At the heart of the concept is a commitment to protecting the tree as the living centre of the structure. Rather than imposing upon it, the architecture responds to the tree’s natural form, allowing it to continue growing while shaping the building around it. In this way, the treehouse becomes more than a place to gather; it is a celebration of care – for nature, for accessibility and for shared experience.
Helicoidal ramps spiral gently around the trunk, providing an accessible route through the structure while forming part of its structural framework. As visitors ascend into the canopy, carefully framed views create a continuous dialogue between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.
The exhibition model is built around a twisting olive bonsai, selected for its symbolism of strength, resilience and longevity, as well as its suitability for the exhibition’s two-month outdoor display. Its delicate foliage allows natural light to filter through the structure, reinforcing the design’s emphasis on openness, light and connection.
The Hug demonstrates how thoughtful design can foster togetherness while respecting the natural world, capturing the spirit of this year’s exhibition theme through a simple yet powerful architectural response.
TAGS Community, Sustainability