About Vivianafulfuc
MArch 1 Student

Merging nature with advanced, man-made technology, my proposal uses the living trees as structural and sustainable columns.
The willow tree columns are able to adapt to the 21st Century challenges, such as flooding threats and non-renewable building resources, being able to sustain light-weight structures when reaching full grown maturity.
Living trees can take up to 45% dead load over their own weight without breaking, Given the trees have quite an unique growing pattern and there are unpredictable factors influencing their health, a 15% overload is regarded as a safety figure. (according to tree-house building regulations). Hence, adding an extra 15% to the tree weight results in 1.364 tonnes per tree- actual load that can be supported by the living structure.
A proposed living tree column, however, is to be formed of 19 trees, which means that the column’s overall’s weight is around 25.91 tonnes on its own. This is based on a mature living willow tree of 20 inch trunk width and 36 feet tall weights approximately
1.186 tonnes.
The column is to feature a temporary scaffolding structure that supports the rings beams on which the trees shall be fixed to. For the first 10 years( minimum), the temporary structure is expected to take the building load until the trees merge into a single, strong organism, able to take the lead themselves and support the building load.Using living trees to form structural columns might the future of using timber in architecture, having these structures that can adapt to particular climates and building surroundings. In addition, the living trees are approximately 3x stronger than cut wood. This way, the construction is simplified and improved at the same time. On top of that, the carbon emission is reduced due to less processing and increased oxygen production.
IHBC NewsBlog
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.
National Trust for Canada’s Review of 2024
Great Saves & Worst Losses Highlighted
IHBC's SelfStarter Website Undergoes Refresh
New updates and resources for emerging conservation professionals.
‘Behind the Scenes’ podcast on St. Pauls Cathedral Published
Experience the inside track on one of the world’s best known places of worship and visitor attractions.
National Audit Office (NAO) says Government building maintenance backlog is at least £49 billion
The public spending watchdog will need to consider the best way to manage its assets to bring property condition to a satisfactory level.
IHBC Publishes C182 focused on Heating and Ventilation
The latest issue of Context explores sustainable heating for listed buildings and more.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris reopening: 7-8 December
The reopening is in time for Christmas 2025.
Stirling Prize-winning Salford building to be demolished
The Centenary Building will be bulldozed as part of the wider £2.5bn Crescent regeneration project.