I have no doubt in my mind that this church, made entirely out of living trees, is unlike anything you've ever seen before. This inspiring structure was created by Barry Cox, combining the two things he loves most - trees and church. As a result, he created a masterpiece, so beautiful, you'll have to travel all the way to New Zealand to see it. |
Prior to creating this structure, he traveled throughout Europe and the Americas, studying churches - large and small, old and new. Upon heading back to New Zealand, he started 'Treelocations', a tree moving business that allows trees to be moved, roots and all, to a new location. He's even taken to re-homing trees on his own property, that would have otherwise been cut down. |
Once his Treelocations business was established, he began working on his next project - this church. The idea came to him out of the blue back in 2011. 'I walked out my back door one day and thought, 'that space needs a church' - and so it began,' he says. He built an iron frame and based his design on the churches he'd spent so many years studying. |
|
The walls of the church are of an Australian tea tree variety, with thick, lush foliage. To keep them in shape, Cox trims them every six weeks. The roof is made from cut-leaf alder - a deciduous tree that's flexible enough to be trained up along the iron frame. The foliage in these trees is sparse, which allows light inside. Inside, the church just contains pews and a marble altar, which he got from his family church in Shannon (where he grew up). On the outside, the structure is filled with hedges and flowers. |
Initially, the church was planned for Cox's own enjoyment. But, seeing that many of his friends and family were so curious to see it, he opened the Tree Church to the public at the beginning of this year. His nephew was the first to marry in it and soon, other couples followed suit - including couples who were not religious. |
See some incredible views of the living, breathing church here: |
For more information about the Tree Church and to view more images, click here. And to learn more about moving trees, check out Treelocation's Youtube Channel. |
H/T: viralnova.com |
14 Handy Designs That Make People’s Lives Much Easier
Take a look at these useful designs that will make life easier for people everywhere.
Incredible! Every Inch of This Castle Has a Story to Tell!
Have a look at one of Poland's most wondrous castles, and find out about the turbulent history of its many occupants.
UNESCO Thinks These are the Best Designed Cities!
If you love culture, architecture and design, you will want to add these 15 cities to your bucket list.
China's Cherry Blossom Bloom is a Sight to Behold!
People all over the world usually associate cherry blossoms with spring in Japan, but China’s blooms are just as majestic! See for yourself!
These 15 Sky Scraping Tree-Houses Are Every Child's Dream
Imagine being woken by the birdsong on these lovely forests. That experience is felt every day by the owners of these 15 tree houses.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu: A Beautiful Summary
Sun Tzu's the Art of War is still perhaps the greatest treatise on military strategy ever. This animated short explains the book in under 10 minutes.
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
11 Relatively Unknown Peculiar Jobs That No Longer Exist
Here is a collection of lesser-known jobs that are now obsolete. Some of them may sound unusual or even funny; even though they are real.
20 Surprising Geographical Maps to Ignite Your Curiosity
Discover some amazing and surprising geographical facts with these colorful and fun maps.
9 Facts About Ancient Egypt You Probably Didn’t Know
Venture beyond the usual facts about the pyramids and Tutankhamen and learn 9 equally fascinating facts and misconceptions about Ancient Egypt
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
Emperor Augustus: How Does History Judge Him?
When speaking of great Roman emperors, perhaps the first that comes to mind is Augustus, who reigned for 41 years and is thought of as the founder of the Roman principle.
Nostalgia in 4K: Fats Domino's 'Ain't That a Shame’
Experience the timeless musical magic of the legendary Fats Domino in stunning 4K resolution!
1 Day in Pompeii: Experience That Fateful Day!
One day in 79 AD the city of Pompeii was tragically destroyed by an extraordinary volcanic eruption. This video shows you just how the scene would have unfolded.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
Rare Interesting Historical Photos That are Must-See
You won’t find these rare photos in your history books.
Marilyn Monroe's 15 Unforgettable Quotes That Resonate
These Marilyn Monroe quotes will change what you think of her.
This Incredible Love Story Brought Tears to My Eyes…
This is the most incredible wedding video you will ever see... A true demonstration to the power of love.
The Truth About June. Touching and Wonderful.
A beautiful story about a mother's love, which I warmly recommend.
Listen to the Enchanting Notes of the World's Oldest Songs
In this article, we will be talking about the oldest known pieces of music ever found.
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
50 Years On, Looking Back at the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was one of the greatest heists in British history. This documentary could be the last chance to find out the answers everyone wants...
If You Like History You Will LOVE This Incredible Video!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
Take a Look At the Many Secrets of Life in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt always fascinates us. But do we really know how daily life in that civilization was like? Watch his video to learn more.
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
Smart Synonyms for 16 Words That Will Elevate Your Speech
Sound smarter and enrich your lexicon with these 16 clever alternatives to ordinary English words
Unseen & Rare Photos from History You Will Love
We bet you haven’t seen these amazing historical photos before.
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
The Chilling Story of Hungary’s Murderous Blood Countess
Elizabeth Bathory is one of the most feared names in Hungary, with a sadistic streak to rival that of Vlad the Impaler's.
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
The Story of the Roman Atlantis: The Ancient City of Baiae
In this article, we will explore what life was like in Baiae, why the city sank, and its rediscovery by explorers.
7 Historical Facts That Aren't Actually True
Here are seven well-known history facts we should have never believed.
If You Like Greek Mythology, Don’t Miss These Movies!
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then make sure you check out these amazing films.
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
Things You Don’t Know About History’s Famous Artifacts
Wow, history really is an endless treasure trove of knowledge!
Incredible History: Looking Through 21 Fascinating Photos
Enjoy this collection of historical pictures.
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
Meet the 13 Most Influential Japanese Gods and Goddesses
Today, we dive into the rich Japanese pantheon and take a look at some of their most iconic gods and goddesses.
This Hilarious Song Perfectly Sums Up My "Efficient" Memory
This hilarious song perfectly sums up or senior moments.
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!