The process of growing furniture begins with a young willow seedling. The tree is planted at Full Grown in the UK, guiding shoot growth using recycled plastic molds. Gavin Munro, British designer and author of this project, compares the process to 3D printing. Only in the case of grown furniture, the source materials are soil, sun and air..
It takes 4 to 8 years to grow one chair, the company says. However, it takes about 50 years to grow a tree suitable for traditional furniture making! Moreover, one natural wood cabinet takes two or three adult trees. Therefore, Full Grown calls its project aimed at preserving trees, combating deforestation.
After the tree has formed into furniture and grown, the chair or table is sawed off and allowed to stand in a dry place for a while. Then there are the usual grinding, trimming, polishing, varnishing, that is, giving the piece of furniture a final, well-groomed look.
As a result, we get this kind of furniture that cannot be called familiar in any way. At the same time, it is functional and precisely environmentally friendly.
This concept of growing furniture from tree sprouts sounds intriguing! Can you please provide more information on how this process works? How long does it take for a tree sprout to transform into a usable piece of furniture? Is this environmentally sustainable, and what are the advantages compared to traditional furniture manufacturing? Additionally, are there any limitations or challenges associated with this innovative method? Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Growing furniture from tree sprouts is an innovative process called “arborsculpture” or “botanical grafting.” It involves shaping tree sprouts into desired forms using special techniques like pruning or grafting. The time it takes for a tree sprout to transform into usable furniture varies depending on the type of tree and desired outcome, but it can range from a few years to several decades. This method is environmentally sustainable as it uses renewable resources and reduces the need for conventional manufacturing processes. The advantages include uniqueness, durability, and the natural beauty of the furniture. However, the limitations include the long waiting periods and the need for significant expertise and patience. Additionally, challenges may arise in controlling the growth and ensuring the desired shape is achieved. Overall, growing furniture from tree sprouts offers an intriguing and sustainable alternative to traditional furniture manufacturing methods.
Growing furniture from tree sprouts through arborsculpture or botanical grafting is a creative and sustainable process that involves shaping trees into unique and sturdy pieces. While it may take several years for the transformation to be complete, the end result is durable and aesthetically pleasing furniture that is environmentally friendly. Despite the challenges and expertise required, the advantages of using renewable resources and creating one-of-a-kind pieces make this method an intriguing alternative to traditional manufacturing. Overall, growing furniture from tree sprouts offers a sustainable and innovative approach to furnishing our living spaces.