On Vancouver Island, in Qualicum Bay there is a
fairly new hotel called Free Spirit Spheres. It is a unique hoteling experience
as your room is in a 9’ diameter sphere. They are also suspended 15’ in the
trees.
Surrounded by a private forest on the edge of a
pond, there are three spheres to choose from, each suspended independently with
a staircase leading up to the entry.
Inside, the sphere has been designed with
the concept of “oneness” using Sitka spruce and yellow cedar bent into the
spherical shape. The creator had the idea of making a living space suspended
within the trees, both to limit the footprint and to connect the user to nature,
while also utilizing bio-mimicry to fit the sphere living into the natural
environment without altering it. The circular shape inspires a harmonious
feeling, symbolizes our connection to nature, and creates a continuous space
within that speaks to the concept of “oneness”.
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The construct uses sailboat construction and rigging practice with three separate ropes to three separate trees to distribute the load, and that allows the sphere to gently sway with the wind and the movement of your stay. Everything you need is within, (minus the composting toilet not too far away) including built in cabinets, electricity, and speakers throughout.
