The Tree House
amplify their scenic surroundings and bring natural touches to the town centre
The £84m redevelopment of Fareham’s Whiteley Shopping showcases unparalleled organic design coupled with quality retail. Wanting to amplify their scenic surroundings and bring natural touches to the town centre, Xcite were called upon to construct an installation harnessing their Placemaking prowess.
The Brief
Xcite were tasked with creating an installation and pop up space that would inspire shoppers, with a design that was sympathetic to the centre's architecture.
However, it equally needed to behave functionally to exhibit a rotating array of independent makers, creators and retailers. Xcite needed to realise an aesthetically pleasing yet equally purposeful project.
Our Solution
Xcite’s creative team conceived a stand-out ‘hero’ concept. Constructing a two-tiered semi-permanent structure out of shipping containers and natural materials, the resulting ‘Treehouse’ married organic look and feel with a truly contemporary design. As a pioneering ‘living’ space, the Treehouse revealed enticing public spaces within its branches.
Ripe for trialling new retailers in the structure’s main unit, the unique Treehouse declared Whiteley as a desirable, stand-out destination. Wanting every part of the bespoke space to offer one-of-a-kind public experiences, Xcite conceived the Treehouse with multiple entrance points for full accessibility. The team then ensured every area was strategically used to gain maximum visitor engagement.
Activating the upper and lower deck with family-friendly garden games including a summer beach, Xcite drew the public to engage with the space, increasing footfall to the centre as a whole. Similarly, the alluring appeal of the towering trees ascending right to the tip of the structure made for social-media shares and memorable moments enjoyed by all.