University of Hawaii architect graduate Joey Valenti has designed prefabricated and low-cost housing units made entirely from invasive albizia trees on the island of Oahu.
The prefab Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ? a type of small residence typically built in backgardens ? form part of Valenti's greater Albizia Project, which spawned from his seventh-year dissertation.
The initiative aims to address Honolulu's affordable housing shortage, while restoring native forests. Like other island economies, Hawaii's heavy dependence on imports contributes to sky-high housing prices and the cost of living.

"A concern for homelessness in Hawaii is part of our core values, but we must also solve for the supply chain and ecosystem restoration challenges before pursuing commercial applications," Valenti told Dezeen. Valenti aims to also solve another problem of thirsty Albizia trees, which can grow up to five metres annually and are problematic as their proliferation chokes out water sources for endemic flora.
They were originally introduced to Oahu in 1917 to reforest land previously used for cattle farming. In an ironic twist, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council now encourages eradicating albizia trees to support the native ecosystem.

"There's a surplus of this invasive species that people previously considered to be rubbish, just a problem," he said. "I challenged that we think of it as a resource instead."
With funding from sources including the Hawai...