We all have seen and heard of Tree house, but what about a house which can Grow. Architectural concept for this is given by Architect Mitchell Joachim at MIT.
Although this concept is hypothetical with the idea of easing the burden humanity places on the environment with conventional housing by growing “living, breathing” tree homes.
It would be built by allowing native trees to grow over a computer-designed (CNC) removable plywood scaffold. Once the plants are interconnected and stable, the plywood would be removed and reused. MIT is experimenting with trees that grow quickly and develop an interwoven root structure that’s soft enough to “train” over the scaffold, but then hardens into a more durable structure. The inside walls would be conventional clay and plaster.
Pleaching is a method of weaving together tree branches to form living archways, lattices, or screens. The technique is also named “aeroponic culture“. The load-bearing part of the structure uses trees that self-graft or inosculate such as live oak, elm and dogwood. The lattice frame for the walls and roof are created with the branches of the trees. Vines create a dense protective layer woven along the exterior, interspersed with soil pockets and growing plants.
The Fab Tree Hab is an experiment that would develop over time. Extra operating costs required over the life-time of the home include pest management with organic pesticides and maintenance of the living machine water treatment system. Technical demonstration and innovation is still needed for certain components, primarily the bioplastic windows that accept growth of the structure and the management of flows across the wall section to assure that the interior remains dry and animal-free. All in all, the elapsed time to reach livability is greater than the traditional sense, but so should be the health and longevity of the home and family. Realization of these homes will begin as an experiment, and it is envisioned that thereafter, the concept of renewal will take on a new architectural form – one of interdependency between nature and people.
However the concept is interesting and engaging but a lot of factors need to be addressed while designing such homes.
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