Comments on: House built out of Albizia wood might solve multiple sustainability issues

By: Skye Hoefke

Skye Hoefke — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 15:50:35 +0000

I feel the use of single and double curvature in the design is a component missing from the majority of new designs. Putting the arch back into architecture is an important element to establishing structural integrity. I applaud the repurposing of an invasive species and feel the same should be realized with waiawi/strawberry guava. As a designer and builder myself I have switched from wood to masonry as the primary building material for the house frame in the pursuit of extending the longevity of the structure. My concern and question about using Albezia is: “What is the lifespan of a home built with Albezia and how many years will it stand before needing repair/remodel/rebuild from time and humidity/moisture?” I would use Albezia for temporary structures and interior non-load bearing architectural elements. I don’t recommend the use of Albezia or any wood as the primary framing material in homes.

By: Allen Dobbs

Allen Dobbs — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 14:40:44 +0000

Would be interesting to explore the use of hand woodworking tools to build these structures. While it wouldn’t necessarily provide a cost effective methodology for Hawaii’s more urban environment, the acquisition or use of existing non-powered woodworking tool skills would likely provide cost-effective and more sustainable methods for more rural or impoverished locations where the use of powered tools pose significant obstacles.

By: Martin Hodapp

Martin Hodapp — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 02:26:13 +0000

This is a good idea of building sustainable structures. However, I would like to ask you to remember the disabled and make your design accessible. But that is easily addressed with ramps or site design.

By: Bruce kurosawa

Bruce kurosawa — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 19:40:30 +0000

I love it! I teach a construction class at Waiawa prison and would be great to have your workforce primarily be released prisoners.

By: david

david — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 21:48:21 +0000

Great article and great thesis. I have three in my yard that need to go. I’m now going to use my small chainsaw mill and see how the planks work for garden beds.

By: Gary Young

Gary Young — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 08:24:43 +0000

Albizia is totally mis-understood !!

I’ve been making Albizia/epoxy laminated canoes, paddles and surfboard skins without fiberglass for over 20 years. The fiber is in the wood !!

In Indo, it is used for plywood, furniture and interior trim.

In farming, albizia is a legume, nitrogen fixing….the leaves and twigs decompose into great mulch…..

Albizia……..perhaps worth another look ??

Take a pest and make a product !!

By: Allen Bosely

Allen Bosely — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 05:28:33 +0000

There are at least three species of Albizia trees common on the Hawaiian Islands. The Albizia is a genus of about 150 species.

The common ones are Albizia chinensis, Albizia Falcataria moluccana and Albizia Lebbeck.

The Albizia chinensis has the least strength of the three, about comparable to Western Red Cedar, Albizia Lebbeck is substantially stronger then Douglas fir. I don’t remember the specs off hand but Albizia Falcataria falls in between the other two.

The strength isn’t really an issue as the design of the structure and sizing of structural components can address the structural capacity of the species used in any given application. Plus strength becomes relative when the material (wood)is abundant and doesn’t need to be transported long distances.

As far as termite or other pest infestation, most any commonly used wood needs to be protected from termites and other pests, even fungus. There are a number of options for protecting the wood that are not damaging to the environment or to humans.

The strength characteristics and insect resistance can easily be addressed in the design, construction and treatment of the material.

I believe Joey is using intending to use non traditional designs, construction methods and by using Albizia, materials.

One of the brilliant aspects of Joey’s concept is combining design, construction and materials to optimize the space (size of house) design and materials to create a beautiful house, using invasive plants with minimal environmental impact. At least that is my take based on what I understand. I think he’s really onto something!

Aloha, Allen Bosely

By: James Weatherford

James Weatherford — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:34:23 +0000

Good work.
I, too, wonder how the termite issue is resolved? and how/where the saw milling is to be done?
Given there are solutions, we’d be pleased to host a scale model on our Puna farm, where there is lots of albizia.

By: Scot Nelson

Scot Nelson — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 01:12:11 +0000

Consider that this wood is not very strong and that Albizia is susceptible to attack by the Formosan subterranean termites.

By: Kerith Edwards

Kerith Edwards — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 22:16:53 +0000

To Joey and all who supported him to make this project happen: kudos and thanks! The structure is beautiful–flowing, open, and both modern and traditional. Using invasive wood that grows like weeds here in the islands, well–this is piece of genius. Please keep the community connected to this project and how people can link up with the design and materials in the future.

I am looking to build a simple, sustainable and unique home on the Big Island and this option interests me.