The Spiritree

The Spiritree is a biodegradable cinerary urn that transforms into a living memorial in the form of
a tree. The two-piece container is composed of an organic bottom shell and a chemically inert,
weathering ceramic cover. The bottom shell holds the cremated remains within its internal
concavity, and is meant to be planted on the ground. The porous ceramic cover protects the
cremated remains from dispersion, while allowing water absorption and promoting
biodegradation. Additionally, the container features a central cavity designed to receive a tree
seedling or sapling. When planted along with the Spiritree, the growing plant gradually feeds
itself from the decomposing biodegradable bottom shell, and the calcium-rich cremated remains.
In due time, the protective ceramic shell is broken by the growing tree, which becomes the actual
a living memorial to the loved one’s memory.

Birth to Death

The Spiritree

We’re born from our parents and die in community with our offspring.

The Spiritree (full view)

The Spiritree

Two-part vessel, with ceramic top placed on top of biodegradable bottom shell, with visible perforations for water absorption on top cover.

The Spiritree (open)

The Spiritree

Open Spiritree, with top cover upside down, showing its porosity underneath, and concave bottom shell.

The Spiritree (detail)

The Spiritree

Porosity perforations and planting area.

The Spiritree (planted)

The Spiritree

Planted with small tree.

The Spiritree (growth illustration)

The Spiritree

Growth illustrations, showing (a) open Spiritree with mortal remains, (b) closed Spiritree planted with remains and seeds, (c) sprouting Spiritree with partially biodegraded bottom, and (d) grown tree with biodegraded bottom and broken ceramic shell.