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.
Featured articles and news
Preparing for the future: how specifiers can lead the way
Effective specificationand the Future Homes Standard.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.