A House built from Living Trees is truly Nature's Architecture (house burnt down, check gofundme)

Helas, we received an update that the living house has burnt down to the ground in december 2023. Bob and his family lost everything they had. They are currently rebuilding a house on the same plot of land. If you feel you can help the family rebuild their dream of a living house, your donations are more then welcome via this gofundme link 🙏
gofund.me/92b4a5a1
So helas the video gives an impression on how it was. The daily reality of the family looks entirely different today (april 2024)
A House built from Living Trees is truly Nature's Architecture, a charming house built from living trees. Bob and his family are aiming to live in a house enveloped by a mesh of trees.
Living architecture is defined as the use of forces and possibilities given by natural living organisms to help and build low-cost and sustainable construction. Living architecture is not a new concept as it has been used for centuries.
A live architecture house grows, builds, and repairs itself; it changes with the seasons; it uses the forces of nature and is in harmony with its environment; it favors biodiversity and natural equilibrium; it has low cost and does not require considerable workforce or industrial material; carbon free and waste free; returns to nature when no longer in use; enables sustainable and balanced mankind development. A new envelope material with little to no carbon impact is totally different compared to what’s used in more traditional regular houses. Findings demonstrate that such a house is not only feasible but also rational and beneficial from the economic and environmental perspectives.
A family living house usually has two parts with two different functions. One is the structure, which is the part that enables the house to stand against environmental solicitation as well as its own dead load. The other is the envelope, which creates a closed cover that protects its inhabitants mainly from wind, coldness, and wild animals. Nature offers many interesting ways to create the two elements. In this case we look at a house that uses the envelope created by a mesh of living trees.
More info via www.thegreenmanproject.nl/
Video production by mindfulbuildingandliving.com/

[@petereames3041]

I would be interesting to see this again in 10years once the trees have grown.

[@helenamcginty4920]

And the roots undermined everything.

[@Debbie-henri]

​@@helenamcginty4920I wasn't so much thinking about the roots undermining everything, because as long as you avoid certain trees (like cherry, poplar and willow), you should be all right. Plus, you can always remove roots, it's just a case of keeping an eye on what's going on underground. It doesn't look like this fellow has to worry about pipes and cable services. However, Ash and Elm? Ash trees are dying wholesale across Europe, giving way to a very destructive fungus that causes wood to rot with frightening speed. So that may cause weakness in the structure. Unless the Elms are the type that don't fall prey to Dutch Elm Disease, or that the current disease doesn't mutate to take advantage of the resistant type, then he's okay on that score. Personally, I would use Hazel. More manipulative, long, replacement stems to 'fix' a patch would be easy to generate and 'keep on hand' ready for use within a year of seeing 'trouble' start to appear in a structure. The use of fruit trees on the sunny wall is a great idea, just keep away from the cherry. Just have to make sure any hybrids you use are not prone to mildew. An Apricot would be a good choice in a sheltered position. Certain apples, pears, damson, slabbed peaches and nectarines, and Amelanchier maybe. I think Hawthorn would be good too. Yes, very thorny, but a hard and resilient wood. Perhaps good anti-burglary around the window? But you'd need good gloves when maintaining walls. I think this is an interesting concept. I have thought about making a 'den' in the garden, but didn't think I would have strength, energy and the ability to learn to build something out of brick. Ready made wooden cabins are beyond my means. This, however, I think I could do. It takes time to grow, so I wouldn't be rushed to finish it. I can pick up dumped wood and cement slabs in the ditches nearby. Make a nice little summer painting studio.

[@1aerjen1]

It burnt down....

[@primesspct2]

and what about in 20? 50?

[@primesspct2]

@@Debbie-henri Tree diseases in general are rampant in the US, dutch elm disease , ash borers. It is a real problem. Which is one draw back. But wouldn't your walls crack ,and need replaced all the time, your roof and floor would warp, and bow? At my age you begin to see how quickly things can chance. This is a new concept for me. I am 62 and can hardly keep up with my 150 year old house! But it certainly has a lovely aesthetic! Its just gorgeous. He certainly has thought this out, and is a true artist.

[@donnarogers7732]

You are an Artist my Friend. Truely the way my group lived in the 1970s. My Real "Hippi" recyclers. Not many of us left. Just lost my dear 50 year friend recently who was a builder much like you are doing. I wish I could visit you. I live in America. Best of Everything To you and your Family Bob. Bless you as you Truely love Planet Earth! Amazing!🙏💜✌️💫💖

[@kobrapromotions]

bet you have some cool stories!

[@EinfachKai222]

bob the builder nature version, I love it. WE ARE NATURE 🌳❤

[@lena-Ramone]

😂❤

[@BE74297]

Saw this comment on a different video

[@danwilkinson2797]

Humans had been an asset to Mother Nature like all the other plants and animals until very recently. This is how we find our way back to the garden . Thanks for your hard work and inspiration.

[@elijahsanders3547]

Father God put humanity in charge over nature, to steward it. Permiculture is a wonderful return to good stewardship.

[@scladoffle2472]

@@elijahsanders3547 stop bringing religion in to everything :)

[@luxuriousfir]

​@@elijahsanders3547Yes!!! thank you Jesus:]

[@luxuriousfir]

​@@scladoffle2472 it's just their perspective. We all have ours. You just made yours public.

[@scladoffle2472]

@@luxuriousfir stop bringing religion in to everything :D

[@jimmierodgers1597]

I really appreciate you and your presence Bob. The cadence and tone of your voice, your words and of course your buildings feel good to me: I experienced you as calm and connected. Wonderful seeing your daughter enjoying her “primateness”! What a wonderful way to grow up. 🙌🏻🙏🏼

[@wendyholzinger7266]

I agree. He IS nature.

[@BE74297]

@@wendyholzinger7266 I would like him and others to know (from a mom that raised four now grown children in nature): The Calif. drought and fires were visibly Engineered since 2012. The C.C. lie is for the criminal goons all EV/led/emf/dew/iot/ai/gnd/nwo "smart" con-troll grid, fast tracked by fake climate action.

[@jimjimgl3]

The Dutch are on another level. Bob is so interested in his lifestyle and home project but there was very little ego he needed to throw around!

[@jetztisfeierabend]

I welcome you to germany to take a look at my house made out of living trees, staw and mud.

[@fincaecologica6508]

Welches Bundesland? Ich wäre bei Norddeutschland interessiert. Liebe Grüße aus Spanien

[@sarahprice1375]

I'd love to see this

[@user-ck6ww2tl2o]

Mach also ein video bitte

[@Hexhex66]

Wo steht es denn? Hast du eine Homepage zu deinem Projekt?

[@senko8534]

Ich hätte auch Interesse das mal zu sehen!

[@JimboAmsterdam]

What a legend. More builders should learn from him! Look at the happiness in his daughters room!

[@helenamcginty4920]

No way could this function in a village let alone a city. Havent you noticed how city tree roots rip up pavements/sidewalks. Break into drains. Block sewage pipes. (I worked at a house with trees about 2 m ftom house front the roots had grown 5 to 6 m along the drains along the side of the house so toilet waste was pouring out and into the ground. The smell was unpleasant and as the drain ran alongside the kitchen and dining room potentially unhygienic).

[@rachelbraaten5285]

@@helenamcginty4920 I think you missed when he said he was using rain water and a compost toilet. And where I live, in a suburb, there are no sidewalks.

[@higherperspective1756]

He had no basement or concrete foundations , underground plumbing pipes to worry about , re: tree roots . Also , roots tend to "look for " water . ..... under a house it's going to be dry ground , so the roots will grow away from the house , in search of water . ;-) .@@helenamcginty4920

[@josephnebeker7976]

I had to go outside to climb my tree. I would have loved that bedroom!

[@somnyad]

So would my niece🎉!!

[@mollybradshaw9336]

I'm not sure I would have ever dreamt you could seriously make a living house.....like a fairy tale. 😍

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Indeed right you are 😀🦄

[@UsenameTakenWasTaken]

And here I was looking it up because I wanted to make one and figured that it's been done before.

[@dakotapeters5654]

I wish everyone did this... I'm almost 100% positive that this has been done before already in the past. Or something similar for sure. We need the trees they need us the whole world could thrive easily if we worked together on more types of living and transportation etc. Such as this. Imagine just calculating where to set sail from to land you naturally exactly where you want to go. Then imagine finding out how to make those distances shorter and quicker traveled by cutting out all the indirect swirling about and making direct currents that go precisely where you want them to... amazing the things we could accomplish using ecosystems and physics.

[@loiswagner2850]

Somewhere in Asia, I forgot where exactly they use some tree species to construct living bridges out of their roots for hundreds of years since a couple of thousand years. The generation that starts the project probably will not even walk the bridge himself but for future generations.

[@emiiliaolausson5559]

​@@loiswagner2850I saw a documentary about it. Think it was in a mountainous part of India, or maybe some other Asian country. They would use trees like a fig tree and form it continuously to form bridges where needed on the pathways through the terrain.

[@svetlanapil8089]

The idea is totally bonkers, but I love this concept and I love when people are not afraid to experiment!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Indeed 🥰

[@momentiummonroe1475]

Living soil... Perfectly fine even encouraged, Living walls? IDK man. They seem lively enough in a good storm.

[@itisi6455]

very cute and creative, as long as its not forced on the world. climat change is a theoretical issue or perhaps an issue as a result of oppression on dissenters. Bless your heart and i wish you domestic pleasure in your little eden.. ❤

[@Thumperoo]

@@itisi6455 yeah I hate to break it to you but if anything is being 'forced on the world' right now it ain't this... quite the opposite, in fact, wouldn't you agree ?

[@Thumperoo]

@@itisi6455 ... also, you should really come to France and ask the local farmers if they think 'climat change is a theoretical issue', lol ! Now, they don't all agree with the governments' ecological 'solutions' (far from it in fact !), and that's another matter also worth thinking about and (calmly) debating. But to say it's 'theoretical' is simply false. Sorry.

[@anikac8380]

This is a delightful and creative approach to building! It made me smile, seeing how much your daughter enjoyed her room. She’s getting fun, exercise, and great memories out of your hard work. Just lovely.

[@eheim4153]

Just following your own heart and living your true self. Beautiful.

[@empathicone21]

Thank you for sharing. I have not come across living architecture before. I can't wait to see how this progresses. I would like to offer a suggestion, I hope this is welcome. I feel we should all share and inspire each other when and where we can. I grew a maple tree from seed. I shaped the branches as it grew. your desk with trees reminded me of my tree. When I shaped the branches What I did was removed a small section of bark on both branches that touched. Used bees way, and Natural plant paper tape to cover the injured area and to hold them together. Then I tied Natural twine around for additional support. Using the Natural products meant they would be biodegradable. Dissolve naturally and not harm the tree. Even if you don't wish to use my method. Maybe someone else will find it useful.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

woow that's so sweet, thanks for sharing ❤💓

[@GnomeInPlaid]

I've heard of that and was going to do it with willow and then let maple or another hardwood grow through for the permanent, stronger wood.

[@SuperVlerik]

Great intro to Living Architecture, and it's good to hear/see/know someone else working not only with the same concepts, but from a similar motivation! Here in Spain, I am experimenting with various Ficus species, and Mulberries, because they fuse very readily. I think there are so many possibilities for suitable species, and as you say, if someone wants to try this for themselves, see what is working in your own area. And then do a bit of research, because some species live longer than others, some have more durable wood even if the actual tree might die, and with climate changing, not all species will do as well in the future as they may be doing now.

[@gregryeii403]

I have been interested, yet was wondering about the feasibility of it long term.

[@symbiosister]

This is awesome! I've been looking for more tree people :) I'm in Vancouver these days and it's very steel and glass - which feels more disconnected - but then again the city provides a lot of inspiration! I'm hoping we get to grow treehouses, but the electrical parts of this as well - we've been able to engineer bioluminescent plants, after all - it's just a matter of caring for them and connecting - I think that's the part we really need to work on as a society

[@TakeMeToYourLida]

Wow, best dad ever

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Cool

[@didigarcia1127]

Beautiful! There are trees where I live, they reproduce like crazy, and they are easy to shape. I like to weave the young branches, in to things like domed bench covers. I like how you get they to fuse together. I may try that in the future. Thank you for sharing!😊

[@angelanicholls1704]

Amazing how wonderful you live in the forest no mortgage no bills .such a relaxed healthy way of living . God Bless You And Your Family . Wood is so much better than bricks ❤

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Indeed

[@happytraveller8953]

Kind of reminds me of the Beorn's house in the Hobbit trilogy; love it!! I think Tolkien was ahead of his time!!

[@misssmith7225]

Spending a week with Bob would be like having a 5 year rejuvenating vacation. It is the combination of ideas, follow through, and presence that is so enriching.

[@tina74166]

This is just Brilliant! A Beautiful way to feel closer & more connected to Mother Nature~ Thank you for sharing this ~💚👍🌳

[@user-tq1xt2ct8s]

God, what I wouldn't give to be your daughter and grow up in your awesome tree-style nature house!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

😊

[@debraparker161]

I love this! Very inspirational and well explained. Such a beautiful,natural way of living. 🌻 If more people could live in harmony with nature our world could be so much better 🌿

[@awakedoctor8714]

I love your style, calmness and your dedication to nature.

[@andrewsackville-west1609]

Beautiful approach. I hope to see how this turns out, after the trees really grow in.

[@truthbetold2611]

Amazing! Walls that breathe, give you protection and you may pick fruit from!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

indeed wonderful 🍀

[@sorayarocha4451]

Parabéns!!!! Isso é o que se pode considerar realmente viver em harmonia com a natureza!!!! Com certeza terão uma vida mais feliz, saudável e repleta de muita paz Cumprimentos do Brasil ❤️

[@kaimana7047]

Nature is what we are missing in life

[@user-nw5ml7lr2b]

Bro built his family a fariy home!!!!❤

[@TheDizastarmaster]

Awesome. I hope your elms thrive

[@christopherbegley8755]

I like living vine houses and bridges

[@londonbabe2467]

Oh my Goodness, That’s Absolutely beautiful. You and your family are living the best life. Sooooooooo many of us would love to live this way. I’m slightly envious but not in a bad way. Well Done. Live your best lives beautiful people.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

So glad we've inspired you 🙂

[@kelseya330]

That shelving is gorgeous!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

True true

[@Caroxmtk]

Thank you! It’s beautiful! I love trees we chat often! Very creative, humanity is heading back to nature it’s inevitable 🥰🍀🌎🌳🌴🌲

[@callieward8362]

Wonderful, just brilliant!! Thank you for sharing this incredible story with us ❤❤ way to go , well done!!

[@TheBee87bee]

Beautiful and practical ❤!

[@hoelenp]

Yes yes yes to the inspirational builder following his heart. Another great episode from NBL

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

cheers bro, glad you like it 😊

[@asbjrnhansen8477]

@@MindfulBuildingandLiving i hope he get some rock or Glass stuck beween the trees/tree... What happen iff u mix stonetree roots and crowns im' confuss.. a peach almond blum apricot, its not like normal crafting, yes yes yes!

[@kaimana7047]

Building with nature so positive

[@lindacarruthers3423]

This is incredible.I have seen bridges built in this way with strong living vines .A wonderful magical thing .❤

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

OMG this is wonderful. Thank you so much to Bob and to "Mindful Building". I am in paradise when I watch programmes like this, full of hope and optimism in a world currently going crazy.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

awesome, thanks for your comment 😀

[@Peachy08]

Now if you can just get worldly people on board! It is brilliant!❤

[@Su-ri5ob]

Absolutely stunning, I love it.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

🙂

[@_de_reve]

the daughter's room is a DREAM✨✨ (my dream to be exact haha) As a child i would have totally loved it!!! So much space for creativity and playful imagination to develop!!! Also made with heart and done so prettily that my art historian heart is at rest. Beautiful idea done perfectly✨🌷 Greetings from a witch dreaming to live like this✨🌸

[@rosanawirepa7906]

The world is a better place thank you for sharing ❤

[@bryannakvinda8411]

I have had a live tree architecture ideas since I was a small boy and learned about the living bridges in Indonesia

[@JB-ro9tf]

I like your spirit. If our school children could experience more nature in big cities, connection and awareness would be easier to re-establish. A social goal should be to bring plants back into cities. And the kids take home to their parents, what they experience.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

That would be really cool to do with tires to hold the soil. Like Earthship walls with trees growing from the exposed soil. I had a wall like that in Costa Rica with bonsais and plants but it could hold up willows too.

[@eswaribalan164]

Would love to see that.

[@rich07725]

tyres are a cool idea, but theres a small level of risk with chemicals as the tyres degrade

[@user-ug2yz6vb7p]

Fruit trees 😮 !!! How wonderful...beyond sublime and you are showimg the way i believe is back to the garden. Your "Nature" has me see this...amazing and thanks for sharing.

[@Agathe.May...]

Very nice. Instead of ciment, you could have used lime, the best material ever😊

[@LizaLavolta]

He is really proud of that throne lol

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Rightfully so 🙂

[@pendizzy6352]

this is amazingly wonderful!!

[@Interge444]

I love this. Beautiful 😍

[@elvyaofficial]

So sad this beautiful home was destroyed by a fire 😢Hopefully Bob will be able to rebuild everything soon!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

❤️

[@forestnymph971]

He came straight up from fairytales✨🌱

[@eeeckstrom]

Thank You for following your intuition and sharing how you connect with nature. Beautiful

[@kristinaexpat3843]

What a beautiful song you have sung in your new Eden! Thank you, this is a visual that will always bring me happiness!

[@AbsolutelyNOW]

Whata beautiful creative dream land house

[@pleasejustdobetter]

Very interesting concept, that I can appreciate. Respecting nature, reusing, & living together with it.

[@gillianhowell7562]

Congratulations, you live in the right way. I always wanted to do it myself but I'm 78 now. We are all a part of nature.

[@tranqulitytoo]

Absolutely beautiful.. thank you for sharing.. I can picture 50 years when the home becomes a living structure. Namaste 🙏

[@beblissnow5947]

What a wonderful kind human & nice voice & singing 😊

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Awesome thanks 🙂

[@mariedavies5147]

Greetings from Belize love your video you inspired me I have 2 acres I building from the land which has lots of rocks.thank you.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Good luck with your project, curious to see it 🙂

[@louisegogel7973]

Let us know how you do please.

[@MagnoliaSoulangeana]

I really love the idea of this kind of archtiecture. It looks so cozy and recreative. But how do you get all the official permissions to build like that? I can't imagine the permissive hurdles and how to convince the authorities where I live. Are the authorities in the Netherlands just more accepting for these kinds of projects? I really hope for this, because I'd like to see more houses like that.

[@jennifermenth-pavel1260]

Epic video, you are an example to follow. I can't even begin to describe how happy finding your video made me. Long story short, I am leaving the US and moving to Europe. My son is going too so he will buy a house in town and I was giving a lot of thought to doing what you have done for my house in Europe. I'm even more excited now! 😁 Thank you for sharing and God bless. 😊♥️

[@LoveLjubav]

Paradise is being one with nature. You are an inspiration, Bob. 🌾🌳🌱💚

[@laurathurlow3634]

What a beautiful home! What a beautiful philosophy!!!!!! I want this house!!

[@jennytaylor3324]

That 'shower cave' is just exquisite.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Indeed😄

[@icantcook9998]

Love that way of building the connection with nature beautiful

[@ronaldkable]

What a great house and approach to building and living ⚘

[@irenepeek3211]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing 👏💯💖👍

[@user-ye8rt5zp9h]

Ingenious. I love trees. 🌲 🌳🌴

[@nanaman]

Genius absolutely 👍

[@sarahchambless3186]

Love this! So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@maxiemills6982]

You are a friend of the earth. Good job.

[@reasunshine2472]

Awesome! Infinite Thanks for sharing 🐝💞💫👌🌟🎊👍🏼✨👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@billmuray]

By far the best nature building ive seen.

[@anneluepken5369]

Thank you. Am in awe of your inventiveness!

[@megaqueenbee7421]

Your home is really Beautiful thank you for sharing

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Awesome 🙂

[@robertamurphy1124]

I dream of having my own place so I don't have to rent anymore. Your place is amazing!

[@luxuriousfir]

Pure awesomeness! Thank you for sharing. God Bless you all.

[@sheilaangeloni4037]

Amazing Thankyou for sharing

[@msmachiavella]

Just naturally delightful. ❤

[@goshasamosia9190]

I LOVE YOU MEN. GREAT SPIRIT. I WISH I HAVE A HOUSE LIKE THIS.😊

[@user-id9oc8mc6d]

Простите, вы мне напомнили сказку о лесных гномах, только вы современный... Сохранить себя и свою творческую природу это 👍

[@rebeccacollins1218]

Innovative and vital integration with nature, and beautiful craftsmanship!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Indeed 🙂

[@toddstevenson8566]

Looks amazing comfortable and homely.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

it does, doesn't it 😀

[@Leaveyt505]

İ love the love of Dutch for nature 🥰🇳🇱🇹🇷

[@BullCricket75]

I am speechless!! BRAVO!❤

[@FairyFrequency]

What a beautiful piece of land to connect with. Sending love and warm greetings from Missouri.

[@user-hz2hp7yn4d]

Video's like this are why I love social media/yt etc. Information worth sharing. Fantastic idea.

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

Cool 🙏

[@oradea4068]

organic living, how beautiful!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

💚

[@charlesleblanc6638]

Some real original ideas ... It's a good feeling to create from nature.

[@janclark1894]

Love it, thank you for caring for mother earth, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@feelingbetternaturally1099]

This is so beautiful it made me cry. Thank you.

[@shantipadme8781]

Truly beautiful. Your creativity is fully respectful of nature and pays homage to it. Fantastic! 🌳

[@TaMboL.VicToRy2911]

How creative. 😍👏🏻

[@gaelenhixson2886]

This house is fantastic.

[@danicast3606]

thanks Bob and family. Saludos desde Argentina

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

🤠

[@mirthabarahona3356]

I do love this idea and the man and the family, very well impressed and I am willing to follow his example of living with nature 🥰👏🏻🙏

[@alexisleon23]

What a house !!! Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷

[@jenniferpazmino7139]

Very cool! I'm impressed that he's able to find free building materials! Nice job!

[@MindfulBuildingandLiving]

🍀