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The Fab Tree Hab house is made from interwoven branches. (ABConline) |
‘Planting’ a house from living tree trunks instead of building it from dead wood is the goal of an architect at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Dr. Mitchell Joachim, a member of the Smart Cities group at the Institute’s Media Lab, along with ecological engineer Lara Greden and architect Javier Arbona, aims to create a house that is truly an ecosystem.
Called Fab Tree Hab, this house goes beyond conventional designs of ecological (green) homes, made from materials that have a low impact on the environment and human health.
“Not only does it cause no harm, but it also has the ability to clean the air,” Joachim said.
The design of the house is based on an ancient gardening method called weaving—where branches are interwoven to create arched entrances, curtains, or screens. In Joachim’s design, the exterior of the house is shaped into a protective diagonal form made from vines, interspersed with soil pockets and plants.
A mixture of clay and straw will fill the gaps in the “walls” to shield those living inside from the cold and heat while keeping it dry. Windows are made from plastics derived from soybean plants climbing around the house.
Water is collected from a trough on the roof, flowing down to supply the homeowners, irrigate the garden, and fill a fish pond. A compost system will handle human waste. Additionally, the house will utilize solar thermal energy.
Joachim’s dream is to establish a community entirely based on “living” house designs, but before that can happen, he may need 1-2 years to conduct a feasibility and sociological study. In the meantime, he is designing a house in California made from 50% recycled and reused materials, and 50% living materials.
T.An
