This project integrates advanced digital and computational design methods into Rootfull’s current hand-carved workflows. It pushes past the limits of 3D printing and points towards a new era of programmable, sustainable design that guides plant roots as they grow.

One small segment of a tessellated pattern was generated from an image of coral using 3D printing technology. It was cast and duplicated in beeswax for the roots to grow on. The wax templates are infinitely renewable and the final material is a natural fibre ‘3D print’ that can be created with no polluting waste.

These images show some early results from the process, presented at Material Matters during the London Design Festival 2024.

With thanks to Filippo Nassetti and kindly supported by QEST,