Tower Made of Living Trees

Just wanted to mention that round these parts (not all that far from Stuttgart) willow constructions are pretty common, if not that tall. I don't know if it's a particularly German thing or found all over the place. It seemed a few years ago that kindergartens, schools and people organizing playgrounds and such were all building willow huts, tunnels, fences, tent-like-things and whatnot. The smaller stuff is really easy, willows (at least some sorts) can take a lot of replanting and bending and still grow. If you've got a garden and kids try a willow play house. And you can still appreciate trees, while also being amazed at how things will grow if given the chance.

It doesn't have to be a home, but could be used for commercial purposes... like, say, a branch office.

This struck me as sad. As people, we can't appreciate trees for their natural beauty, but have to create something out of them to make them interesting.

That's an absolutely terrific idea. No kidding. I'm being serious here. But, allow me to point out one negative aspect of this building.

Where things are alive, other things tend to live. I grew up in the woodiest area of Whidbey Island, so I know the host of rather... interesting... things that decide to make their home in trees.

As such, I wouldn't want to hang out for too terribly long surrounded by four walls of pleasantness better known as a home to the following conglomerate of intertwined creatures. Growing up in Greenbank on Whidbey Island (middle of the woods) I know that the following organisms live in trees because I have, in fact, experienced all of these at some point in a tree. Usually about 6 inches from my face. Ant swarms, moth swarms, bumble bees/hornets, spider(s)(of the uncofomrtably large variety), caterpillar nests, grubs of unidentified nature, maggots on dead rodents, squirrels nests, possum nests, raccoon sleeping locations, birds of all variety... and many more.

Now that would truly be a tree house!!