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 |
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.
Step Inside Some of the World's Most Stunning Mosques
Mosques are a place of worship. They are places in which class, wealth, status and ethnicity disappear. Take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful mosques.
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.
Are These the Most Beautiful Streets in the World?
There's something so charming and beautiful about these streets that are surrounded by trees. Take a look at these stunning streets.
Gaudi: The Iconic Architect That Made Buildings Look Alive
Antoni Gaudi is the most famous Modernist architect. This is a story of his life and creative evolution.
20 Old Buildings That Were Repurposed Quite Creatively
Check out these cool pictures of some old buildings that have now been completely transformed.
12 of the Most Fascinating Creatures in Norse Mythology
The world of Norse mythology is full of bizarre mythical creatures. Let’s take a look at the most fascinating ones.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
The Fascinating Ways Our Fruits and Veggies Are Grown...
Here are some of the amazing the ways that fruits and veggies grow that may be new to you!
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
10 Cool Maps That Show How Much Unpopulated Space There Is
These maps will utterly surprise you when you realize just how unevenly the world's population is spread out. Most of the world is quite free of people!
These Famous Characters Are Based On Real People!
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
Yasuke: The Story of the African Samurai
The incredible historical story of an African man who went to Japan on a Portuguese ship and never came back, remaining as a powerful Samurai named Yasuke.
She Will Never Forget Her Marriage Proposal. Ever.
This is a Marriage Proposal For the Books...
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
I've Never Heard This Amazing Tale From the 2nd World War
This is going to be one of the most amazing stories you've ever heard. I guarantee it.
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
These Specialized Tools Have the Most Unique Uses
These specialized tools have the most unusual uses.
Do You Remember Playing Like These Photographed Children?
In the days before cellphones, the internet, and the like, we children had to learn how to make our fun. Remember playing like these retro kids?
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
These Photos Clearly Indicate You're Never Too Old to Love
You're never too old to love or show love, and these pictures are a clear indication of that. Here are 15 photos that show you never have to stop having fun.
Fascinating Photos: Actors vs. the Real People They Played
Take a look yourself and make your own mind as to how faithful the actors were to the people they played in movies.
Collection: The Greatest Moments in History
A collection of fascinating, sometimes controversial and surprising stories from the annals of history. Explore and learn about the fascinating past of humanity and some of its most outstanding figures.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
These Borders Exist Longer Than the Countries They Divide
International borders are among the most rapidly changing geographical phenomena, but these borders 5 proved to be exceptionally persistent
Ever Wonder What People Were Like Thousands of Years Ago?
Some of these ancient faces frown and others smile, but together they tell the fascinating history of humanity.
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.
This Hilarious Song Perfectly Sums Up My "Efficient" Memory
This hilarious song perfectly sums up or senior moments.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
10 Incredible People You Never Heard Of!
Here are 10 people who have, in their own ways, saved countless lives and at times, the entire planet. They deserve to be known.
Is There Anyone Luckier Than These Two Close Friends?
DJ Ginsberg and Marilyn Wagner paid just $2,000 for what would turn out to be a fascinating piece of motion picture history. Hear all about their story here.
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
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.
Life Has Changed a Lot Since These Photos Were Taken
These historic photos capture the everyday experiences of the last century, reminding us how much the ordinary things in life have changed.
Decency Test: Would People Cheat a Blind Man Out of Money?
If a blind man came up to you and asked for your help with his winning lottery ticket, how would you react?
5 Famous Shipwrecks and Their Unbelievable Stories
Some unreal stories about what lies deep below the seas.
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
When Deaf People Hear for the Very First Time...
In this wonderful video, we will see the miracle of hearing given to several people who have been deaf.
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.
The Slightly Bizarre Club of Hair for Men!
Meet the largest community of men dedicated to growing and celebrating their beards and mustaches, all gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the 2012 National Beard and Mustache Championships! You have never seen so much epic, amazing and downrigh
INTERACTIVE: The Musings of Philosophers Through the Ages
The great thinkers have imbued the world with greater knowledge and different perspectives. Learn about what the wisest men in history had to say.
24 Classic Books That Give You Important Life Lessons
Here is a look at ten great classic books that have some deep underlying moral lessons for all of us.
Watch This Card Magician Make Penn and Teller’s Jaws Drop
Everybody knows colored light can make things appear different, but can it actually permanently paint them? This magician believes it can.
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.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.