Terreform ONE’s groundbreaking Fab Tree Hab initiative has recently been acknowledged with the prestigious Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This accolade celebrates the project’s innovative architectural design ethos, which merges socio-ecological thinking with functionality.
The Fab Tree Hab, a remarkable fusion of terrestrial reef and living material architecture, is designed to coexist harmoniously with both human and animal residents. Nestled within a forested ten-acre parcel in New Windsor, New York, conveniently reachable by public transit and near the Storm King Art Center, this project is pioneering the concept of multispecies habitation. It uses 100% grafted woody plants, setting a new standard in green architectural practices. Aimed at facilitating partnerships with educational institutions, local community members, and creatives, it seeks to enlighten its visitors about the profound importance of biodiversity.
Originating from the minds at Terreform ONE, the Fab Tree Hab leverages traditional tree-grafting methods alongside cutting-edge computational designs for its wooden arch scaffolds. Its ambition is to craft a dwelling that not only melds seamlessly with its surrounding environment but also champions the use of decarbonizing, bio-based materials. This approach directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), advocating for sustainable land management and preservation.
Mitchell Joachim, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Terreform ONE and NYU Professor, reflects on the project’s genesis during his time at MIT, noting, “Seeing the Fab Tree Hab come to fruition is profoundly fulfilling. It stands as tangible evidence that it’s possible to construct environments that not only benefit the Earth but also foster harmonious cohabitation with an extended community of lifeforms.”
Spanning 1,000 square feet, the structure ingeniously utilizes 30-foot-tall tree clusters sourced locally and sculpted onsite with substantial cross-laminated timber (CLT) arch scaffolds. The construction’s backbone is formed by willows from a nearby biomass farm, with the wall infill modules receiving a treatment of beeswax and pine rosin. These modules act as a foundation for a distinctive mix of hand-crocheted jute fibers and 3D-printed bioplastic shapes, cultivating a dynamic, biodiverse habitat that supports a complex web of life.
The Fab Tree Hab embodies Terreform ONE’s mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to countering planetary species extinction through imaginative design. Established in 2006 and led by Mitchell Joachim and Vivian Kuan, Executive Director, the organization is committed to forging spaces that promote environmental and social equity.
National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., expressed enthusiasm over the grant, highlighting its contribution to the vitality of the arts sector and the community. “We are pleased to be able to support this community and help create an environment where all people have the opportunity to live artful lives,” she remarked.
For media inquiries, please contact Mitchell Joachim at +1 (617) 285-0901 or info [at] terreform.org. Photos and a video are available here.
For more information on the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
