This Swedish hotel saves the local bird population

The accommodation facility welcomes both human and avian guests – the latter naturally stay for free

The Biosphere room is the latest creative addition to the Treehotel concept, which seeks to integrate modern and comfortable accommodation facilities in the heart of Swedish nature. Located in the far north of the country in the Lapland region, not far from the Arctic circle, the Biosphere is an air-suspended sphere covered in hundreds of birdhouses.

That design, however, is more than just a mere quirky decision – it aims to boost the declining populations of local birds. And as of June 2022, it welcomes both people and birds.

Tourism solution that addresses a local issue

The Biosphere represents the 8^th room of the Treehotel, which is located in the forested vicinity of the Harads village, some 100 kilometres from Luleå airport. Much like the other room, it was designed by renowned Nordic architects – this time the job was handed to the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) from Denmark.

The architects looked beyond aesthetics only. The 34 m² room, which can be accessed through a suspended bridge literally brings you into a different, and more avian world, high among the tree canopies.

The façade contains 350 birdhouses, which is both a message and a solution. Due to the forestry industry, the Swedish woods have been shrinking causing a decline in bird populations as a result.

Now that the Biosphere is there some lodgings are at least guaranteed for the feathery inhabitants of the forest.

The head of the Norrbotten Ornithological Association collaborated on the design to ensure that the birdhouse placement would maximize its appeal to animals while minimizing the effects of unpleasant side effects, such as droppings and unwanted noise for the human guests.

Those staying in the room will nevertheless have superb amenities and comforts thanks to features like an incinerating toilet, sustainable water system, shower, sauna and a roof terrace with 360-degree views.