House Around the Tree by TIMM: A Contemporary Tree-Centric Residence in Tbilisi

Blending modern architecture with Georgia’s lush natural topography, House Around the Tree by TIMM Architecture is a striking residential project located in the green, hilly landscape of Okrokana, just outside Tbilisi. Designed around the central presence of an existing tree, the home showcases a minimalist design language and a deep respect for its environment—creating a seamless connection between architecture and nature.

Architecture Rooted in Nature

This 450-square-meter home was conceived with a core architectural concept: to design around a tree, not simply beside it. The architects embraced the organic context, resulting in a contemporary home that appears to grow out of the terrain itself. The building gently adapts to the sloping landscape, creating a multi-level residence that celebrates both openness and privacy through its dynamic spatial arrangement.

A Dialogue Between Inside and Out

The house is organized over three levels to respond to the site’s natural slope. The lower level includes the entrance and a garage. Above, a plateau-like living zone opens up to the landscape with expansive views. This level accommodates the living room, dining area, kitchen, and lounge, all interspersed with courtyards, gardens, and a swimming pool. Here, exposed concrete provides a raw, textured base, while steel finishes and slender cross-shaped columns add contrast and sculptural detail.

Spatial Fluidity and Structural Elegance

TIMM Architecture employed a fragmented, non-linear layout, strategically broken up by courtyards, covered verandas, and open-air transitions. This design avoids imposing heavily on the land and allows the building to breathe in harmony with its surroundings. A central staircase wraps organically around the internal tree, and a large skylight above invites natural light to flow through the core of the home—illuminating the interior during the day and framing the night sky above.

Material Expression and Sustainability

The house’s top volume is wrapped in a continuous series of vertical wooden brise-soleils, offering both sun shading and ventilation while reinforcing the home’s integration with nature. These openable louvers provide flexibility and a feeling of lightness, dissolving the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. The combination of natural materials, minimalist detailing, and transparency reflects the client's desire for a home that is both emotionally resonant and environmentally responsive.

Living with the Landscape

Rather than dominating the site, House Around the Tree embraces it. From the choice of materials to the stepped organization of volumes, every element of the home is crafted to enhance its connection to the landscape. This balance between raw structure and warm natural finishes results in a residence that is as emotionally compelling as it is architecturally refined.

The shared vision between the architects and the clients enabled a design that is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—a home that celebrates the spirit of place, and the beauty of living with nature.

All Photographs are works of Beka Gulva.