# Weaved Twig Architecture Artist Patrick Dougherty Creates ‘Ballroom’ Structure By Ariel Weber | Published 2012-12-06 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artist-patrick-dougherty References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/354607/Artist-Creates-A-Ballroom-Structure-With-Tree-Saplings/) & [stickwork.net](http://www.stickwork.net/news/) Artist Patrick Dougherty has created another incredible ‘Ballroom’ structure that is made entirely out of willow tree saplings. Combining his love for carpentry and nature, Dougherty creates a whimsical construction that is reminiscent of a tree house. The structure took 3 weeks and over 10 tons of tree saplings to be erected. It was made using only gloves and a pair of pruning shears. The result of the project is a life-like house that is equipped with entrances so that the public can interact and enter the structure. Interestingly enough, the material used is considered a weed and can in fact be known to be hazardous to the ecosystems in Victoria. Thus, his sculptures are contributing to conservationist practices. If interested in taking a peak at one of artist Patrick Dougherty masterpieces, it can be found in Victoria, Australia. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Whimsical Sculpture:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create whimsical sculptures using unconventional materials, such as tree saplings. - **Eco-friendly Art:** Potential for artists to create eco-friendly art by using materials that are considered weeds or invasive species in a particular ecosystem. - **Interactive Architecture:** Emerging trend of creating interactive architectural structures that allow the public to interact and enter the artwork. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Design:** Artists, designers, and architects can explore innovative approaches to creating sculptures and architectural structures. - **Conservation and Environmental Services:** Opportunity for conservation organizations to collaborate with artists and promote the use of invasive materials in eco-friendly art. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Tourism industry can benefit from showcasing unique and interactive art installations as tourist attractions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Folk Creature Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog.md) - [Vaulted Structural Telescopic Treehouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artistree-home.md) - [Nature-Inspired Structured Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twig-seating.md) - [Contemporary Conservationist Treehouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sylvascope-treehouse.md) - [Hidden Garden Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-room-around-a-tree.md) - [Self-Shaping Timber Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion.md) - [Resin Gravity Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-tree.md) - [Rattan Sculptural Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thai-art-gallery.md) - [Slatted Steel Treehouse Surroundings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sawmill-treehouse.md)