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Using trees to make stuff isn’t a new idea…in fact it is one of the oldest. Also not new is the idea of shaping trees into objects. But there is a project underway that puts a whole new twist, literally, on the idea of making structures from trees.
The novelty of it is that the trees will be grown in the shape desired – like the ultimate topiary, only useful. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the company Plantware are partnering up to grow structures from trees on a commercial scale – structures including bus shelters, playgrounds, and even houses.
There are already aeroponics pilot projects happening in the
It’ll take awhile to see the new technology in action, since trees take awhile to grow, but we will indeed start seeing a few structures like park benches, gates, streetlamps and so forth grown out of trees.
Via physorg; photo via Plantware
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written by begreen, August 27, 2008
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written by Brian Green, August 28, 2008
Sounds like a great idea, but I'd be careful which structures are made with this technique. I'd also question the waterproofness of a structure made with this system (house mentioned above).
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written by Robert Wood, August 28, 2008
“Growing” houses and furniture are great if you intend to spend your life in the Shire with Bilbo but not real practical for life outside the pages of a Fantasy novel. Other than some interesting works of art and a few novelty items this idea just does not have a limb to stand on.
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written by Clinch, August 28, 2008
There's also the issue of "post shaped growth", and by that, I mean that the tree continues growing after it has been shaped, but in a way that distorts it/changes its size, in such a way that it loses its desired functionality.
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written by Not Feasible, September 09, 2008
They are whimsical and fun to look at but without great practical uses. Here is a site for an early tree shaper.
http://www.arborsmith.com/treecircus.html
It takes a lot of time and effort to grow shaped trees, often with quite a number of trees and grafting done where features intersect. Hardly a cheap venture with the cost of labor.
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written by Jack Nguyen, October 28, 2008
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Using tree as building components would not only bring people closer to nature, and thereby encourage an appreciation of it, but it would provide more natural habit for wildlife in our towns and cities. An excellent idea.
However, while plants don't squeal if you step on them by accident the way your pet dog does, they do get stressed if their optimum living conditions aren't met. What will manipulating their growing patterns do to stress then and who will it affect their natural growth? Of course, bonzai are manipulated, but I've no idea how the trees react to it.
A fantasy landscape in our towns is such an excellent.
Steve N. Lee
author of eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com
and suspense thriller 'What if...?' http://www.steve-n-lee.com