(Wikipedia Entry for David Nash)
David Nash is an artist who works in naturally sourced wood (windblown timber, local fellings for clearance - not commercially sourced planks/baulks). and has also produced several works he describes as "Living Sculptures".
The work that is closest to a living building was started in 1977 and is called "Ash Dome" (as an aside, domes of amateur astronomers are frequently made of aluminium over an ash dome). The work is not on public display - indeed its location is a secret. However there a number of pictures and even videos available that show the initial concept and its continuing development.
The video at on the Royal Academy site shows how the project has changed over time - the initial plans show an interlinked structure almost like a geodesic dome but as the trees have grown it is apparent that they have resisted this (or perhaps the artist has changed his vision) and continue as independent trunks. The growth of the trees seems less rapid than I would expect for ash - it is well known to be a fast growing tree.
The latest pictures (more than 30 years from the planting of the original saplings) don't really show the trees to have formed into a dome - however it looks like John Nash has chosen to prune and encourage the main trunks into a cone with each trunk having a zig-zag form that has resonances with the patterns on a North American tipi.
I think there are lessons to be drawn here about how nature may frustrate the aims of the arboarchitect and that to work with how the trees grow over time may be a more successful strategy than attempting to force the design onto the trees.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Green Buildings in Suffolk - Open Days
GREEN BUILDINGS IN SUFFOLK - OPEN DAYS
9 - 12 September 2010
The Suffolk Green Buildings Network is providing Green Buildings Open Days as part of English Heritage's Open Days. The open days offer guided, informative tours of energy-efficient properties and projects between 9 - 12 September 2010.
The Suffolk Green Buildings Network is a collaboration between the Creating the Greenest County Delivery Partnership, UCS and many other partners. We now have a growing number of green buildings that are cheaper to heat, cheaper to light, have less environmental impact and are better adapted to climate change. The purpose of the network is to raise the profile of these fantastic buildings, inspiring others to commission similar projects.
Among the eleven properties featured for 2010 are a contemporary family home designed with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality, a Tudor public building dating from about 1500, new build and retrofit village halls and buildings built from straw bales.
The buildings opening for tours in 2010 are:
* Assington Mill, Nr Sudbury: Buildings at the Mill have been restored using local craftsmen and materials. The new tractor shed, story telling hut and Owl Tower have been built from straw bales and rendered with clay or traditional lime plaster. Other traditional or eco technologies for viewing are: locally made bricks; ground source heat pumps; under floor heating; wood burning stove; sunpipes and a newly installed water wheel which will generate electricity for the buildings.
* Bruisyard Village Hall, Nr Framlingham: New build rural village built to the highest energy conservation standards with very high levels of thermal and acoustic insulation, solar panels for water heating and an under floor heating system using an air-source heat pump.
* Flint Cottage, Nr Bury St Edmunds: 19th Century flint knapped cottage with a retrofit ground source heat pump supplying conventional radiators. A retrofit system reducing heating bills by impressive amounts.
* Village Hall, Great Barton: Retrofit and new build installation of a ground source heat pump and photo voltaic panels in a 1950s village hall bringing benefits to the community by reducing costs and cutting the carbon footprint.
* Tudor Public Building, Wyverstone: See an air source heat pump, solar thermal panels, whole house heat recovery and high standards of insulation in a sixteenth century Guildhall , reputedly the smallest of its type in the country, recently restored to its original glory and linked renovated barn .
* Mill Green Brewery, Edwardstone: A new commercial building using traditional building , green insulation and heating methods such as locally made bricks using on site clay, lime plaster, wooden weather boarding, lambs wool insulation low energy lighting, a solar hot water heating system and biomass boiler.
* New Build Hemp House and award winning office conversion near Sudbury: Both house and office are models of zero carbon buildings with efficient natural insulation materials, lime based construction, biomass boilers, solar water heating, rainwater recycling, food grown on site for self reliant lifestyle, own livestock reared for meat and manure production
* Reg Driver Centre, Christchurch Park, Ipswich: The Centre, designed to fit into and make the most of the surrounding landscape and to be as eco friendly as possible contains several eco features namely: insulation and glazing to make the most of natural light and heat, a woodchip boiler with under floor zoned heating, green roof , sun pipes for lighting , rainwater harvester, solar, photovoltaic panels so lots to see all in one place. Tours of backroom facilities are being offered during Heritage Open Days.
* Sproughton Tithe Barn: 17th Century community owned barn where costs and carbon have been dramatically reduced through insulation which has achieved a 39% heat saving per person using the barn.
* The Arc Nr Boxford: A contemporary family home designed to achieve carbon neutrality from the handling of the excavated soil in the construction process to the orientation of the building, its design and construction. Everything has been designed to capture the maximum of natural heat and light whilst retaining all possible heat within the building. Space heating is by passive solar, combined with the high thermal mass of the building. Backup heating is by low-power under floor electric cables Further backup is supplied by a wood-burning stove in the main living area but rarely used.
* UCS Waterfront Building: This iconic sustainable building has a sloping sedum roof, high performance glazing, a concrete structure designed to act as ‘thermal battery’, an extensive heat recovery system including a heat wheel using fresh air circulation i.e. no air conditioning, water saving systems and contingencies for climate adaptation - there is a flood mitigation system with no electrical systems within 900mm of ground level and walls and floors designed to withstand flood damage. A building management system controls variable-speed ventilation and heating systems and there is no incandescent lighting (except in the lifts!). Lighting controlled by occupancy sensors in many areas.
Booking is essential for most of the tours. Bookings can be made online through the Suffolk Green Buildings Network website: http://www.greensuffolk.org/green_buildings/events.
Further information about most of these buildings can also be found on the website.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Picture of the framework of the living willow tower to be built
Location: Suffolk nr. Ipswich
Phase 1: build framework from recovered timber and existing tree (Phase 0 - recover the timber!)
Phase 2: suspend growing bags from horizontals
Phase 3: install irrigation
Phase 4: plant willow rods
Picture for Phase 1
Phase 1: build framework from recovered timber and existing tree (Phase 0 - recover the timber!)
Phase 2: suspend growing bags from horizontals
Phase 3: install irrigation
Phase 4: plant willow rods
Picture for Phase 1
Monday, 9 November 2009
Airy Castle
In 1884, the New York Times published an article describing "A house in the treetops" and then in 1887 Gene M Underwood wrote in "Outing magazine" of "The Man Who Lives in a Tree". These two articles describe separate visits to a Mr A. B. Hayward in Washington, and two separate buildings - both apparently called called "Airy Castle".
Only the latter article has any illustrations and these give an unclear (and contradictory) view of the construction so I have tried to re-interpret the information contained in the two sources.
The first building (visited in 1884) is very simple - two trees and 5 poles support a platform 13 feet off the ground and 12 by 7.5 feet. Half of the platform has a 3 foot high planking wall with a ridgetent-like canvas construction over the top. The remainder of the platform is railed with a ladder entering from below. This appears to be the first illustration in the Underwood article (the article itself however, describes the later, larger construction). The interviewer is told of Mr Hayward's purchase of some nearby land with mature trees and his intention of building a second construction making more use of the limbs of the tree in supporting the accommodation. It is apparent that the current building is not a full solution to his needs as he visits a neighbours house for his meals.
The 1887 visit to Mr Hayward found him having moved to his second, larger and higher, attempt to meet his aspirations of tree living.
The building is supported by a combination of three mature oak trees - there appears to be a woodland context so these are naturally column-like trunks - and eleven poles. These support a platform about 32 feet above ground level. On the platform are a three simple rooms, but these appear to basically sheds again with canvas roofs. One of the rooms is located over a gap in the platform giving a small two storey section, with the lower part containing a kitchen which is partly supported by a branch jutting out from one of the trees. The access is now described as a steep staircase rather than a ladder.
Some further use is made of of the trees themselves - a circular wooden bench surrounds one of the boles and it appears that a doorway is partly formed from the intrusion of one large branch.
So, probably not an ideal example of a "living building" but maybe an inspiration when reading of Mr Haywards enthusiasm and his belief that his city-damaged health has been repaired by his natural surroundings.
Only the latter article has any illustrations and these give an unclear (and contradictory) view of the construction so I have tried to re-interpret the information contained in the two sources.
The first building (visited in 1884) is very simple - two trees and 5 poles support a platform 13 feet off the ground and 12 by 7.5 feet. Half of the platform has a 3 foot high planking wall with a ridgetent-like canvas construction over the top. The remainder of the platform is railed with a ladder entering from below. This appears to be the first illustration in the Underwood article (the article itself however, describes the later, larger construction). The interviewer is told of Mr Hayward's purchase of some nearby land with mature trees and his intention of building a second construction making more use of the limbs of the tree in supporting the accommodation. It is apparent that the current building is not a full solution to his needs as he visits a neighbours house for his meals.
The 1887 visit to Mr Hayward found him having moved to his second, larger and higher, attempt to meet his aspirations of tree living.
The building is supported by a combination of three mature oak trees - there appears to be a woodland context so these are naturally column-like trunks - and eleven poles. These support a platform about 32 feet above ground level. On the platform are a three simple rooms, but these appear to basically sheds again with canvas roofs. One of the rooms is located over a gap in the platform giving a small two storey section, with the lower part containing a kitchen which is partly supported by a branch jutting out from one of the trees. The access is now described as a steep staircase rather than a ladder.
Some further use is made of of the trees themselves - a circular wooden bench surrounds one of the boles and it appears that a doorway is partly formed from the intrusion of one large branch.
So, probably not an ideal example of a "living building" but maybe an inspiration when reading of Mr Haywards enthusiasm and his belief that his city-damaged health has been repaired by his natural surroundings.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Visions of living buildings
A very early one this - published 1758. Emanuel Swedenborg describes a visionary tour through "Earths in the Universe" in which he describes the temples of one of these earths as follows:
"constructed of trees, not cut down, but growing in their native soil. They said that on their earth there were trees of wonderful growth and height. These from their beginnings they arrange in order, so that they serve for porticos and walks, and by cutting and pruning the branches when they are tender, they fit and prepare them so that while they are growing they may intertwine and unite to make the base and floor of the sanctuary, and rise on the sides for the walls, and bend above into arches for the roof.
By these means they construct the sanctuary with admirable art, elevated high above the earth, and they also prepare an ascent into it by successive branches of the trees extending out and firmly connected. Moreover they adorn the sanctuary without and within in various ways, by bending the leafy bows into various forms. Thus they build entire groves. But what these sanctuaries are within, I was not permitted to see. It was only told me that the light of their sun is let into them through apertures between the branches, and is here and there transmitted through crystals".
"constructed of trees, not cut down, but growing in their native soil. They said that on their earth there were trees of wonderful growth and height. These from their beginnings they arrange in order, so that they serve for porticos and walks, and by cutting and pruning the branches when they are tender, they fit and prepare them so that while they are growing they may intertwine and unite to make the base and floor of the sanctuary, and rise on the sides for the walls, and bend above into arches for the roof.
By these means they construct the sanctuary with admirable art, elevated high above the earth, and they also prepare an ascent into it by successive branches of the trees extending out and firmly connected. Moreover they adorn the sanctuary without and within in various ways, by bending the leafy bows into various forms. Thus they build entire groves. But what these sanctuaries are within, I was not permitted to see. It was only told me that the light of their sun is let into them through apertures between the branches, and is here and there transmitted through crystals".
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Tree Cathedrals in the UK
None of these are proper "living buildings" in my view, however given the name and the aspirations of this blog I feel they should be covered.
These first two are trees planted in the shape of a cathedral.
Milton Keynes Tree Cathedral
In a park near central Milton Keynes this "cathedral of trees" was designed and constructed by landscape architect Neil Higson in 1986. The layout of the "building" is based on Norwich Cathedral was shaped in earth before being planted with hornbeam, pines, limes, willow, horse chestnut, and oak.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Edmond Blythe designed and made the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in 1930 to foster ‘Faith, hope and reconciliation’ after World War I. It occupies 9.5 acres and is inspired by Liverpool Cathedral. It consists of a large variety of species of trees and shrubs, each chosen for a particular component of the building.
And to me more interestingly (as it has more building-like qualities) The Ormiston Yew
Also described by some as a Tree Cathedral - however the way this has developed is totally naturally. The tree is an example of a "layered yew" where the lower drooping branches have rooted where they meet the ground creating a bounded space.
These first two are trees planted in the shape of a cathedral.
Milton Keynes Tree Cathedral
In a park near central Milton Keynes this "cathedral of trees" was designed and constructed by landscape architect Neil Higson in 1986. The layout of the "building" is based on Norwich Cathedral was shaped in earth before being planted with hornbeam, pines, limes, willow, horse chestnut, and oak.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Edmond Blythe designed and made the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in 1930 to foster ‘Faith, hope and reconciliation’ after World War I. It occupies 9.5 acres and is inspired by Liverpool Cathedral. It consists of a large variety of species of trees and shrubs, each chosen for a particular component of the building.
And to me more interestingly (as it has more building-like qualities) The Ormiston Yew
 | © Copyright John Darcy and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. |
Friday, 16 October 2009
The Maple of Ratibor
On the internet there are a couple of images of "The maple of Ratibor" - a remarkable living building.
The New York Public Library has the same picture in two contexts, "the Maple of Ratibor" dated 1893 from "The picture magazine".
and
"Un érable à matibo, prés de Savigliano, dans le Piémont, Etates Sardes." (A maple in Matibo, meadows of Savigliano, in Piedmont, Sardinia) dated 1841
There is further info available when looking for "The Maple of Matibo"
e.g. "The wonders of vegetation" says
THE MAPLE OF MATIBO.
This plant, the type of the " Lower trees " with
which the skilled horticulturist ornaments our gardens,
is especially remarkable for its architectural form.
...
It is to be seen in its perfection at Matibo, in the vi-
cinity of Savigliano, near Coni, in Piedmont. The
skill and perseverance of the horticultural architect
has made an astonishing metamorphosis of it. In its
cultivated state it appears like a structure of two sto-
ries. Each of these has eight windows naturally form-
ed and can contain twenty people. The flooring is
managed by a skilful arrangement of the branches,
According to
the same picture was used to illustrate a short article in 'The Ladies' Treasury' 1860
The maple is described as being 70 or 80 years old, with two floors, each lit by eight windows and easily able to accommodate twenty people (is that 20 on each floor?), its floors were made from the branches, with their 'leaves forming a natural carpet' (unlikely, shaded or thick branches don't produce foliage). 'The thick foliage also forms the walls, and in it a number of birds have built their nests. Every care has been taken to guard against any inconvenience being offered to these joyous songsters, who contribute so much to the Arcadian attractions of the place.'
The text that appeared under The NYPL image of The maple of Ratibor (1893) is probably derived from the same source - except it sensibly gives the age as approximately 100 years. The same picture is at www.fulltable.com but dated 1894
However there the trail runs cold - I can't find Ratibor or "Matibo, in the vicinity of Savigliano" on Italy maps and no current references to a two story maple living building (should be many more if the maple is still alive at 200 years -- which would be remarkable given the relatively short lifespan of this tree)
The New York Public Library has the same picture in two contexts, "the Maple of Ratibor" dated 1893 from "The picture magazine".
and
"Un érable à matibo, prés de Savigliano, dans le Piémont, Etates Sardes." (A maple in Matibo, meadows of Savigliano, in Piedmont, Sardinia) dated 1841
There is further info available when looking for "The Maple of Matibo"
e.g. "The wonders of vegetation" says
THE MAPLE OF MATIBO.
This plant, the type of the " Lower trees " with
which the skilled horticulturist ornaments our gardens,
is especially remarkable for its architectural form.
...
It is to be seen in its perfection at Matibo, in the vi-
cinity of Savigliano, near Coni, in Piedmont. The
skill and perseverance of the horticultural architect
has made an astonishing metamorphosis of it. In its
cultivated state it appears like a structure of two sto-
ries. Each of these has eight windows naturally form-
ed and can contain twenty people. The flooring is
managed by a skilful arrangement of the branches,
According to
the same picture was used to illustrate a short article in 'The Ladies' Treasury' 1860
The maple is described as being 70 or 80 years old, with two floors, each lit by eight windows and easily able to accommodate twenty people (is that 20 on each floor?), its floors were made from the branches, with their 'leaves forming a natural carpet' (unlikely, shaded or thick branches don't produce foliage). 'The thick foliage also forms the walls, and in it a number of birds have built their nests. Every care has been taken to guard against any inconvenience being offered to these joyous songsters, who contribute so much to the Arcadian attractions of the place.'
The text that appeared under The NYPL image of The maple of Ratibor (1893) is probably derived from the same source - except it sensibly gives the age as approximately 100 years. The same picture is at www.fulltable.com but dated 1894
However there the trail runs cold - I can't find Ratibor or "Matibo, in the vicinity of Savigliano" on Italy maps and no current references to a two story maple living building (should be many more if the maple is still alive at 200 years -- which would be remarkable given the relatively short lifespan of this tree)
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