Design for Guggenheim Shelter 2009 > 'Growing Home' Shelter

A tectonic organism.



This shelter has a constructional frame of living and growing bamboo. It starts by planting small bamboo cuts in concrete grow boxes, together these boxes make up the foundation from which the frame of the shelter will grow. Japanese bamboo grows extremely fast even in a colder climate. Direction and angle of growth will be regulated by a network of tension cables. By adjusting the growth variables and tension cables the shelter builder is able to controle the shape of the shelter. When the bamboo reaches its desired height the growth will be stopped and the frame will be covered by a weather resistant translucent fabric.
I have tested and researched this system and the basics really work.
Could this be a possible future? A living organism as a constructional element of architecture.

writing desk, bench and daybed

the system of growth with a network of adjustable tension cables.

the tension cables applied to a tree.

testing concept and construction.


inside the fully grown pavilion

natural ventilation


simulation of the grow process relative to the stresses on the cloth cover.