GabyVincent Callebaut’s Timber Mobilities project sounds fantastical — but it could become reality sooner than you think. After all, many of the bold ideas from the renowned Belgian architect based in Paris have already been realized.
To avoid alienating skeptics, the project’s authors frame it as a research initiative. They visualized the near future of transportation using 3D modeling and artificial intelligence tools and ultimately presented five prototypes for individual and collective transport on land, water, and in the air.
These prototypes share ergonomic architecture, aesthetic design, a focus on renewable energy, and a mix of biomaterials (laminated wood, engineered bamboo) with recycled materials (aluminum, fiberglass).
Eco-architect Vincent Callebaut says the mobility of the future will be more diverse, smarter, and greener. Cities should be for people again, not cars. Today the transportation sector makes up the largest share of global CO2 emissions — 24 percent — and drivers spend an average of 90 hours a year stuck in traffic. Callebaut believes that has to change.
The prototypes developed by his studio aim to move us closer to that eco-friendly tomorrow.
Flying «minibus» Timber eVTOL
This ambitious design is a rotorcraft capable of vertical takeoff, hovering, and vertical landing. It runs on electricity or hydrogen.
Most examples of this type of aircraft carry only a small number of passengers and are used for private travel or as air taxis. The Vincent Callebaut Architectures studio sidestepped those limits and designed a low-carbon propeller-powered vehicle that can carry 10 to 20 passengers at a time. Designboom reported that it would significantly cut travel time and help ease the burden on ground transport, especially during peak hours.
Other potential uses for this prototype include urban freight and logistics runs.
Shuttles — Timber eSHUTTLE
Continuing its research into ecological public transport, the studio developed the autonomous Timber eSHUTTLE. This computerized shuttle, equipped with sensors, hybridizes the convenience of individual cars with the efficiency of public transit. It is comfortable, ergonomic, safe, and outfitted to carry about a dozen passengers.
The creative team says these driverless shuttles will be built from bio-based materials such as CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels. They will run on solar power and batteries that charge via dynamic induction embedded in the roadway, so the Timber eSHUTTLE can receive energy directly from the road while it travels.
Timber eCAR and eBIKE
The Vincent Callebaut Architectures studio also presented compact vehicles for private travel.
Aiming to replace heavy steel SUVs, the designers developed wooden, maneuverable, autonomous urban cars that run on electric and solar power. Built mainly from wood or bamboo, the Timber eCAR prototype could become one of the most environmentally friendly concept cars.
The team also showcased the Timber eBIKE, a prototype made from laminated wood and graphene. It features aerodynamic geometry, a simplified transmission, and innovative wheels without axles, hubs, or spokes. The bike could be a hit with commuters who ride to work every day.
Timber Hydrofoil Wooden Vessel
This watercraft is designed to be more environmentally friendly than an electric bus and promises calm, fast journeys with no jolts or bumps.
The self-sufficient vessels draw energy from solar panels, wind, and tidal turbines. They use optimized hydrodynamic hulls and wings to reduce energy consumption while sailing. The futuristic boats by Vincent Callebaut will be made from biomaterials and recycled materials. Once the vessels reach the end of their service life, they could be completely dismantled and repurposed.
