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Living Growing Root Bridges Are 100% Natural Architecture
Posted By
Yuka Yoneda
On
In
Architecture,Design,Gardening,Treehouses |
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In the forests of Meghalaya, India, the War-Khasis people have discovered a patient way of crossing the many rivers of their wet region. By guiding the roots of an abundant species of rubber tree, they were able to create a living system of bridges that are in some cases over one hundred feet long and can support the weight of 50 people!
[1]
Villagers in Meghalaya, India have come up with a unique construction technique that harnesses nature in its purest form – they grow their own living bridges! Using the roots of the Ficus elastica tree (rubber fig tree), the residents have woven an of a
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The town of Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills is credited with the world record for annual rainfall of over 75 ft!
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And in this rainy, wet climate, the rubber fig tree grows with abandon.
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The tree has a secondary root system that grows up above the ground floor and lets the tree easily grown on top of boulders and even out in the middle of streams.
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Long ago, the war-Khasis, a tribe in Meghalaya region, realized they could tap into the power of these roots and use them to their own advantage.
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To make a tree grow in a certain direction, the tribes people use the trunks of a betul nut tree, sliced down the middle and hollowed out as a guidance system.
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By manipulating and directing the secondary roots, they could create ultra strong and living bridges with which to cross their streams.
This graceful solution came from a people who saw a problem and solved it using their surrounding environment. The roots are woven and guided in hollowed out betel nut trunks until they reach and grab onto the opposite banks. Over time these root systems become strong enough to support the daily movement of people across the rivers.
The bridges are alive and grow stronger with time, repairing themselves and solidifying their users’ relationships with the earth. We hope you enjoy this inspiring glimpse at a solution that is truly in harmony with nature.
+ Living Root Bridges
Via Make Online
[1]
Villagers in Meghalaya, India have come up with a unique construction technique that harnesses nature in its purest form – they grow their own living bridges! Using the roots of the Ficus elastica tree (rubber fig tree), the residents have woven an of a
[2]
The town of Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills is credited with the world record for annual rainfall of over 75 ft!
[3]
And in this rainy, wet climate, the rubber fig tree grows with abandon.
[4]
The tree has a secondary root system that grows up above the ground floor and lets the tree easily grown on top of boulders and even out in the middle of streams.
[5]
Long ago, the war-Khasis, a tribe in Meghalaya region, realized they could tap into the power of these roots and use them to their own advantage.
[6]
To make a tree grow in a certain direction, the tribes people use the trunks of a betul nut tree, sliced down the middle and hollowed out as a guidance system.
[7]
By manipulating and directing the secondary roots, they could create ultra strong and living bridges with which to cross their streams.
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
