While both entities operate independently, the HeartLight Permaculture Ark and ArborStructures have a symbiotic association.

HeartLight is envisioned as a sustainable, self-sufficient community that provides organically grown functional foods to members and guests. With an auditorium, wellness center and pyramid temple the facility will be able to accommodate guests for classes, seminars and retreats, with a focus on education, restoring health, spiritual and personal growth. The HeartLight Permaculture Institute will facilitate the nursery and working space for ArborStructures.

ArborStructures will craft the innovative living structures for the HeartLight Permaculture Ark facility, showcasing the ability to blend ecological design with functional architecture. ArborStructures will also collaborate with customers to bring their unique visions and requirements to life.

No. Trees grow in height from growth buds located at the branch tips, not from the base of the tree.

ArborStructures specialize in molding living trees into building panels, integrating arboriculture and innovative construction techniques. The process begins with placing yearling trees into 2” x 4” x 8’ molds for a period of three years. During this time, the tree trunks grow and expand, filling the shape of the mold. This molding process shapes the trunk into the precise dimensions required for construction.

Throughout the growth period, the trees are kept in grow bags, which accelerates their growth and ensures optimal health and development. After three years of growth and shaping, the trees are removed from the molds. The trunks are inosculated together to form solid living panels. These panels measure 2” thick by 24” wide by 8’ high and can be used to construct various structures, including domes, pyramids, and conventional buildings.

This unique approach not only creates strong, sustainable building materials but also ensures that each panel is a part of a living, growing organism. ArborStructures' panels are not only environmentally friendly but also provide a natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with their surroundings, embodying the harmony between construction and nature.

This answer is dependent on if the question is pertaining to the interior or exterior of the structure.

The bark on the interior of the structure is removed after inosculation, exposing a beautiful hardwood surface. Removing the bark halts all interior growth, allowing cabinets and doors to be placed.

Branches will continue to grow on the exterior of living ArborStructures. Branches on most structures will be pollarded each autumn.

Branches are incorporated permanently as part of some types of structures.

. ArborStructure molded trees can be inosculated into structural forms such as floors, walls and roofs

· Shelves, stairs, bedframes and tables can also be created with inosculation techniques

· ArborStructures eliminates multiple harmful toxic off-gassing materials utilized by traditional construction, resulting in healthier living spaces

· Unlike traditional construction, which is responsible for one third of the landfill waste material, there is no landfill waste generated by ArborStructures

The molded trees are grown in the nursery for 4 years, during which time they are inosculated and prepared for creating the onsite structure. The preformed ArborStructure panels are transported to the building site in March. Following a growing season at the construction site, the interior bark is removed by sandblasting. This technique reveals a beautiful hardwood surface that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure. In October, doors, windows and cabinets are installed and the structure is ready for occupancy.

ArborStructures specializes in crafting unique and sustainable architectural structures using living trees that are inosculated together to create strong and aesthetically pleasing structures. These living architectures range from small square footage homes to large, multistory buildings. The most common designs will include domes, for residence and pyramids for greenhouses. The only limitations to these beautiful, living structures are the fundamental laws of physics and the reach of a Bronto SkyLift, which is currently 300 feet.

The tree selected for ArborStructures is a fast-growing, exceptionally hard wood species known for its natural resistance to rot and insects. It thrives in an impressive range of environments, from maritime regions to high deserts, and adapts various soil types—including poor, wet, or dry conditions. It tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils (pH 5.0 to 8.0) and remains resilient in the presence of salt spray, wind, and heat. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9, it can withstand temperatures as low as –20°F (–29°C), enduring both early and late frosts. Remarkably adaptable and resilient, this tree flourishes even in challenging climates, making it an ideal living material for sustainable, long-lasting ArborStructures.

While the techniques for ArborStructures are not overly complicated, numerous details are involved in growing a living structure. For example, ArborStructures are airtight, therefore, proper air exchange must be incorporated into the design.

Due to the interest in ArborStructures, there are plans to incorporate an apprentice program to train technicians the specific skills required to create these unique and sustainable structures. Graduates of this program will be familiar with all aspects of ArborStructures, including the specific tree utilized for these structures.

Please contact arborstructres@proton.me for more information.