Rooted Design: The Art of Growing Design

18 January 2025 /

Rootfull

Zena Holloway, an underwater photographer whose experiences documenting the world's oceans motivated her to take action after seeing the devastating impact of plastic pollution, found inspiration in the most extraordinary place: the resilient world of plant roots.

The turning point occurred in her own back garden. What began as a curious observation of roots in her pond has grown into Rootfull, an innovative approach to creating sustainable materials. The method is straightforward: seeds are planted on specially beeswax templates, allowing the roots to naturally grow as they search for water, weaving themselves into robust structures. Zena now uses these templates to craft sculptures, wall hangings, clothing, and lighting.

This technique proves both versatile and hardy. The root structures can be engineered to be sturdy where strength is required or delicate where necessary. Through careful observation, Zena has mastered what she calls "the psychology of roots," understanding how these living materials adapt and respond to different conditions.

What makes this approach particularly brilliant is its accessibility. Unlike complex biotechnology that demands a laboratory setting, this process requires little more than basic household equipment. Starting with common objects from her home - including her child's toys - Zena demonstrated how accessible innovation can be when thinking creatively.

This project showcases how durable materials can be created in harmony with natural processes, representing a shift from traditional manufacturing to adaptive, living design, similar to how root systems in nature form robust networks that support entire ecosystems.

Rootfull demonstrates the possibility of creating resilient and regenerative materials by merging traditional crafting techniques with biological innovation. Like mycelium composites that break down to nourish soil organisms, or Vivomer that decompose into beneficial nutrients, Rootfull harnesses the natural structure of plant roots to create materials that can eventually decompose and contribute to soil health. These materials offer a new model for packaging — one where the material's end-of-life actively enriches ecosystems rather than simply minimising environmental harm. This approach demonstrates how we can design products that participate in nature's cycles, breaking down to provide nutrients to soil, enhancing its ability to support new growth.