Trees as Building Materials?

::Image via Inhabitat

Architects at the University of Stuttgart are researching the elasticity of trees and how they can grow around steel supports with the idea of that they could be used as a natural building material.

::Image via Inhabitat

Their "baubotanical" tower is 9 meters high and has a base of 8 square meters. The structure is made up of hundreds of white willows, which at the moment are supported by a metal scaffolding. The scaffolding is expected to be removed in 8 to 10 years, when the willow should be able to support itself and 3 metal platforms.

::Image via Inhabitat

Should these methods be successful, trees could be used to build towers, platforms or bridges like those erected by the War-Khasis people in the Meghalaya forests of India.

:: Image via Inhabitat

By guiding the roots of rubber trees they are able to build bridges that span over 30 meters and which can hold the weight of up to 50 people. Because the bridges are living, they grow gradually stronger over time and can even repair themselves.

:: Images via Inhabitat