The Tranquilitree design emerged from my selection in the Wood-design project organised by Bos+, Flanders DC, HoutInfoBois and Vlaanderen Circulair. In this project 5 designers/design studio's were each linked to a company within the wood industry to design a product that makes use of and valorises one of the industry's rest fractions.
The video below takes you on a quick tour through the design process.
I started with the aim to create something new, fully circular and harmless for people and planet.
Aiming for valorising the smalles rest fractions, sawdust, shavings and chips, I first looked into natural and biodegradable binders and different production processes as to create a new composit without harmful fossile components and resins.
Many experiments later a few methods were fruitful and I dove deeper into possible uses. One particular application cought my attention: tree planting.
From talking to many experts I found that many trees die withing the first three years after plantation. The most common causes for this are draught and nibbling animals. A few methods exist for draught prevention: mulches like straw, bark or wood chips, geocovers, cardboard tree plates, herbicides and mowing methods. But all of these have their disadvantages and not all are adapted to new watering methods.
With Tranquilitree I designed something like tea for trees. Tree pads ensure a low maintenance support for trees against draught. The pads prevent quick evaporation of the soil's moisture and don't give competing herbs the chance to grow and 'steal' the necessary water and nutrients from the young tree. During rain or watering periods nutrients in the pads seep through to the roots and help with an extra boost.
Tranquilitree is 100% circular and 100% compostable. It is fully composed out of local rest fractions and is producable by local social economy enterprises.
