Raindrop-Shaped Treetents by Dré Wapenaar

<a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/06/07/bubble-treehouse/">Sylvan housing</a> reaches new heights with these wonderful dewdrop shaped <a href="http://www.drewapenaar.nl/project.php?id=67">Treetents</a> by Dutch sculptor and designer <a href="http://www.drewapenaar.nl/">Dré Wapenaar</a>. Originally designed to ease the lives of tree-sitting activists, they also make excellent <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/19/yellow-treehouse-restaurant-by-pacific-environments-architects/">treetop retreats</a> for campers, kids, and anyone soothed by an evening spent softly swaying among the branches. Each beautifully formed droplet attaches directly to a tree trunk and is roomy enough to sleep a family of four.

According to Dré Wapenaar, "The story of my tents as they relate to campsites, however, started with the <a href="http://www.drewapenaar.nl/project.php?id=67">Treetents</a> which were originally designed for the Road Alert Group in England. This group of activists fight against the excessive constructing of highways through forests. During their protest they cover themselves and hide and live in the trees to fight as long as possible against the rushing violence of the chain sawers. The Treetents would provide a comfortable place for them to stay during their habitation of the forest and prevent the trees from being cut down."

Wapenaar's <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/12/baumraum-magnolia-and-pine-treehouse/">treehouse</a> tents are composed of a steel frame wrapped in canvas and measure thirteen feet tall with a 9 foot diameter.

The interior is outfitted with a roomy hardwood sleeping platform and a round mattress roomy enough for two adults and two children.

According to Wapenaar, "the form of these tents naturally developed itself, when I hung a circular platform with a rope on the side of a tree."

If you're interested in spending an evening amid the evergreens, several Treetents are available for rent 5 months out of the year at the <a href="http://www.ardoer.com/nl/camping/hertshoorn_camping_de/home/verhuur/de_boomtent/">Hertshoorn</a> campground in the Netherlands.

Wapenaar says "My inspiration for the shape was not the dewdrop. Form followed function."