The term “Parlour Palm” usually refers to that popular small tree botanically known as “Chanadorea elegan”, often grown as a houseplant but-with an interestingly artistic twist-can be loosely applied to any species of tree -or bamboo-and cultivated as an integral part of home and office construction. Including a living , growing tree , be it a bamboo, climber or other perennial plant in a architectural plans is the green trend to follow. In the fact, bringing the outdoors inside ids an exciting environmental move that totally revolutionises the ‘green home’ concept.
‘ Indoor tree ‘ doesnot necessarily refer to a growing tree in a suitable pot or container but, in this particular instance, applies to tree (or other plant) growing directly in the ground or in specially designed/constructed indoors beds which are part and parcel of the overall interior design.
It is unusual forva housing plot to have mature trees growing pn it and usually such trees are viewd s ‘obstacle’ to be removed prior to construction. The alternative, however, is to have architectural plants drawn up to, as far as is feasible, include any mature trees on site. Building a home around a tree/trèes is not as odd as some people may think-on the contrary- it is the most natural thing to do providing that it is done well. Constructing houses -or offices – around trees is a fascinating challenge; architectural plans must incorporate allowance for root and branch expansion and they should also allow for any necessary watering with plenty of ‘glassed’ areas to let the sunshine in.
Cutting down living trees to make space for balconies and verandahs in a environmental crime which need to be. Such facilities can be built around living trees instead of over their ‘murdered’ stumps. Dead trees peeled of bark and polished can make incredible contribution to household interiors as well.
So go greener than green.Don’t simply hug a tree-welcome it in to your home -or office.
By B Khan