UFO Hotel Takes Underfloor Heating to the Space Age

Have you ever fancied going on holiday in a UFO? Or maybe a relaxing break in a tree-house is more to your liking? Either way, an award-winning innovative hotel in the Swedish forest has both bases covered. Nestling in thick woods near the Lule River, the UFO resembles a crash-landed flying saucer and is one of the most impressive-looking eco-dwellings the tourism industry has to offer. It is one of six unique cabins making up the Treehotel resort, which recently won the 2011 Swedish Grand Tourism Prize.

The rooms themselves are made from a pre-fab lightweight composite material and installed in the trees. The UFO is highly energy-efficient and based on renewable energy, with hydroelectric power, full insulation, LED lighting, composting toilets, and underfloor heating. The guest room is 30 square metres and fits a double bed, composting toilet and a cosy dining area, illuminated by a giant skylight. At night, the staircase retracts, completing the flying saucer illusion!