permaculture

[Will Carey <cure@rtinet.com>]

Folks...

This is interesting... Pleached tree housing concept from MIT types.

<http://www.archinode.com/bienal02.html>

Excerpt:

A methodology new to buildings yet ancient to gardening is introduced in
this design - pleaching.  Pleaching is a method of weaving together tree
branches to form living archways, lattices, or screens.  The trunks of
inosculate, or self-grafting, trees, such as Elm, Live Oak, and Dogwood, are
the load-bearing structure, and the branches form a continuous lattice frame
for the walls and roof.  Weaved along the exterior is a dense protective
layer of vines, interspersed with soil pockets and growing plants.  On the
interior, a clay and straw composite insulates and blocks moisture, and a
final layer of smooth clay is applied like a plaster to dually provide
comfort and aesthetics.  Existing homes built with cob (a clay and straw
composite) demonstrate the feasibility, longevity, and livability of the
material as a construction material.  In essence, the tree trunks of this
design provide the structure for an extruded earth ecosystem, whose growth
is embraced over time.  

Will from Oregon