It’s a constant quest (some say obsession) of mine to see if there is a futuristic home building trend that could work here. If you think the Styrofoam homes were a bit odd, well maybe they were. I’m not sure they would add much to the landscape here in NE Ohio. But this idea of molding/making homes out of a living tree seems a bit over the top. (Article posted on MSNBC by Jeanna Bryner)
First, they mold tree roots that are grown in air instead of soil and apparently that keeps the roots flexible for shaping. They use scaffolding to do the shapes…sounds bit like doing a bonsai but on a larger scale?
They say it is a great structure for areas frequented by earthquakes or hurricanes.
What about other issues like termites? Or if a large limb falls off the tree. what protects the roof? Or, how do the roots affect the sewer/drainage system of your house? I know one of the issues I see frequently is that people plant trees too close to the foundation of their homes and then the roots invade the sewer system and flooding can be an issue.
It does sound very intriguing as far as park benches and playground equipment is concerned. If you read either of these articles you will see a cool photo of a bench and (from Israel21c) a very neat playground. Will post video from You Tube as well. Peace Out - 3C
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3 responses so far ↓
1 If a Tree Grows In The Forest, Can You Make It Into A House … // Aug 28, 2008 at 12:28 pm
[...] Original post by Carole Cohen [...]
2 Kermit Johnson // Sep 2, 2008 at 2:23 am
Wow, this is really cool. I would like to see something like this.
I don’t know if people are ready to grasp this idea. Even the idea of cob homes is radical for Americans, even though they have been built for hundreds of years in other parts of the world.
Kermit Johnsons last blog post..Apple Valley MN Townhome for Sale
3 Carole Cohen // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hi Kermit, thanks and yes I would love to see one of these in person. A cob home, I think that means they have mud walls? Those I have seen, in England. You make a good point, I wonder if anyone is building cob homes today? My guess is yes? And it does (cob) sound a bit more practical than a living tree but who knows!
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