FAB TREE HAB

By Terreform ONE

Engineered Living Material + Multi-species Habitat
Size: 1,000 SQ FT
Medium: living willow, cedar, steel, jute, beeswax, pine rosin, soil
November 2023

Fab Tree Hab is a terrestrial reef and grafted living tree structure that explores the potential for trees to become structural support for buildings, integrating the built environment and the surrounding ecosystem. Shared by people and animals, this multispecies habitat combines tree-grafting techniques with computationally designed cross-laminated timber scaffolds. All facade elements are either cedar or jute treated with beeswax and pine rosin to prevent decay. The structure is designed to generate life and minimize carbon footprint, pushing the boundaries of regenerative design.

Sourced from a local biomass farm, willow clusters are shaped on-site within large reusable timber scaffolds. After a few year’s growth, the trees support the modular multispecies modules on their own. The habitat modules are fabricated using a combination of handmade crocheted jute fibers and 3-D printed bioplastic. The structure takes a socio-ecological approach to architecture, serving as an observatory and education center for people and providing a refuge for all.