OPEN CALL: Regenerative Forestry and Full-Tree Utilisation

This INLAND project bridges regenerative land-use practices, innovative timber technologies, traditional craftsmanship, and creative design to explore sustainable models of forestry, material use, and production.

Project Overview

The initiative centres on a "root-to-leaf" model of timber utilisation—an approach that seeks to maximise the value of the entire tree, from roots and forks through trunk to branches and leaves. By combining advanced technologies with time-honoured craft techniques, the project fosters sustainable forestry and manufacturing processes with applications in construction and furniture. Moving beyond conventional stem-only harvesting, the goal is to develop systems that make fuller, more intelligent use of forest resources while supporting ecological health and local economies.

During the programme, the following activities will take place (tentative calendar):

• Project presentation: Wednesday, May 13, at CAR
• Field trip to the sawmill in Puebla de la Sierra: Sunday, May 17
• Visit to Factum Arte: Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 PM
• Field trip to the Botanical Garden: May 25–29
• Group work session: June 1–5 at CAR
• Colloquium with Material Cultures: June 8–12

Participation Opportunity

We are opening applications for an exploratory workshop consisting of fortnightly study groups held at CAR (Centro de Acercamiento a lo Rural – INLAND’s Madrid Space, C/ Buen Gobernador 4). These sessions bring together a multidisciplinary group to research and prototype ideas around regenerative forestry.

Each study group will feature speakers from diverse fields—including forestry experts, material scientists, digital mapping specialists, and traditional craftspeople—to provide insights and spark dialogue. A key component of the programme is a guided field trip to an independent sawmill in Puebla de la Sierra (near Guadarrama). Participants will collect and select "waste" or low-value tree parts, such as branches, forks, and roots, that are typically discarded.

The workshop will focus on design applications emerging from this stock, involving hands-on prototyping of innovative furniture, building components, or hybrid objects. This process aims to bridge ecological regeneration with creative production through the use of under-utilised resources.

We are seeking individuals interested in:

• Regenerative forestry practices.

• Whole-tree / full-value material utilisation.

• Digital tools for forest mapping and resource archiving (LiDAR, AI modelling).

• Experimental making in timber (construction, furniture, or hybrid applications).

• Place-based collaboration with local communities and ecosystems.

How to apply:

Complete this form