Treehouse, UK

Treehouse is a luxury hotel in the centre of Manchester designed to appeal to every guest’s inner child. In collaboration with Starwood Hotels and 93FT, Artin Light transformed a former concrete office block into a sensory retreat through a playful application of light that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Inspired by the idea of a “treehouse” as a place of escape, imagination, and comfort, the lighting strategy focuses on creating moments of discovery throughout. Rather than relying on uniform illumination, the design embraces contrast, intimacy, and visual layering to encourage exploration and emotional engagement. Pools of light, shadowed recesses, and unexpected highlights encourage movement and exploration, guiding guests instinctively through the spaces. This deliberate choreography of light allows interiors to unfold gradually, reinforcing a sense of wonder and playful anticipation.

Local, reclaimed and crafted – the decorative lighting was carefully selected in order to feel curated rather than specified. Drawing on a central theme of found objects, the luminaires establish a character and warmth that contributes to the brand’s storytelling and immersion. Whilst traditionally architectural lighting takes priority in supporting functional requirements for light levels, consideration on the placement and output of decorative lighting took priority on this project, in order to maximise opportunities for an eclectic visual language to take precedence over any overtly commercial tone. Architectural lighting was then sensitively integrated to support these moments, ensuring visual comfort without compromising the overall visual language of the scheme.

Echoing the filtered daylight one might associate with a treehouse canopy, layers of concealed LED integrated into joinery and architectural details allow light to appear as though it is emanating naturally from the building fabric. Particular emphasis was placed on highlighting apertures and edges, creating the impression of daylight penetrating interior spaces. This technique enhances depth and softness, blurring the boundary between natural and artificial light, and reinforcing the illusion of an elevated retreat within the urban context of Manchester.