Last year, when the authorities started cutting not just branches but whole trees in our forest we got really frustrated - we couldn't figure out why they were killing trees that looked healthy and young. But what looked like mindless and random tree cutting turned out to be a well thought out action to save the life of the forest by thinning it and removing invasive species.
So, when I encountered Wisconsin-based green design company Whole Trees Architecture I instantly transfered a year back. There surely cannot be a more sustainable house design than the one that includes whole trees!
Instead of using conventional milled lumber, the company makes use of what the winds in the forest have naturally pre-stressed. According to WTA,
Structural testing of small diameter round timbers by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory has found that it is 50% stronger than milled lumber. What is more, whole trees have a comparable weight to strength ratio in compression as steel and twice that of steel in tension.
Not only do they walk the forest with design in mind but they choose trees for the effect their removal will have on their surroundings and the quality of their structure. When a tree has been chosen, the bark is peeled from it while it stands in the forest, allowing the waste products to go back to the forest floor. Then the tree is left to cure for several months in the forest, while it looses up to 50% of its weight in water, making it easier and safer to be taken to the building site.
It is a sustainable way to use natural resources more wisely and to build houses that are people and eco friendly. Whole trees chosen one by one, so as not to spoil the еcological balance of the forest lend an organic and warm feel that no other material could achieve. This sustainable design approach comes as a reminder that we are able to use wisely our connection to nature and by doing so we can live in harmonious surroundings while taking responsible ecological choice.
To see more stunning Whole Trees Architecture projects, visit their website.
All photos courtesy of Whole Trees Architecure.
I love this whole concept and what a fabulous website:)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome thing to do! I love your site and all that it stands for!
ReplyDeleteWow...that's really incredible and truly beautiful as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible use of resources and with such a beautiful result. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteErika
It’s a Wrap Link Party at Artful Rising
What an awesome house!
ReplyDeleteWe (helpers) regularly thin the trees in the woods in front. Out back...well, that is a different story.
Stopping by from Blogging Buddies
<><
http://christiecottage.blogspot.com
This is so cool! I had to stumble it!
ReplyDelete~Kim
from Blogging Buddies team
What a cool idea! And the fact that the tensile strength is twice as strong as steel makes sense when you think about how trees bend and sway in the wind and remain standing, but I just never thought about it before. Awesome. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really fascinating. The houses are beautiful and I wish I could see one in person!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't mind living in house like taht.It is not only good for enviroment but looks nice as well:)
ReplyDeleteAmazing! I love to hear about companies that are thinking of the environment and creating amazing homes in the process. That is a house I would love to live in.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
Wow! That looks so awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh, my - what an amazing design! Not only is it eco-friendly and sustainable (and we know I love that, haha!) but it's so, so gorgeous! I'll really have to keep it in mind when I get older and want a house, haha. ;)
ReplyDeletePlus, I have to show Mom these beautiful photos - she'll love them!