Wood has long been an essential material for human life. For this reason, we cut and use a large number of trees. When we pick up a piece of wood that has already been made into a product or processed into paper, few of us imagine a standing tree with roots growing in the soil.
Some of the wood we use is cut from forests nurtured by the abundant water of Hida City in Gifu, Japan. Five percent of the trees cut from Hida’s mountains are used as furniture and building materials, while 95% are used as pulp and chips. Some of the 95% is small wood, which is difficult to use for mass-produced products that logistically require a stable supply of materials due to its small diameter and sparsity of species. In order to cut large trees suitable for furniture and building materials, the surrounding thin trees must also be cut.
The existence of small wood has had something to do with the chairs we were making. The combination of the minimal shape and small wood as a material should be reminiscent of and embody the forest of Hida-Furukawa through a medium, bringing a new connection to the idea of a relationship between forests and people from upstream to downstream.
THE STRUCTURE
椅子を構造として再考し、空間や素材を生かすためのひとつの要素と捉えた
THE STRUCTURE
資源や循環への様々な取り組みを通して、森と人の不可分の関係を家具として
提案しています。
THE STRUCTURE will redefine the chair, treating it as an element for making the most out of space and materials.Through various approaches to resources and circulation, we offer an inseparable relationship between forests and people through furniture.
Our business of making products from small-diameter wood is a project that combines sustainability and creativity. We use wood harvested from small diameter trees in Japan to create products that create value in space, not only as everyday furniture concepts, but also as beautifully designed art pieces. The project offers social and environmental value on many fronts.
Our products contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, the reuse of small trees contributes to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), promoting waste reduction and efficient use of resources. It is also relevant to SDG 15 (conservation of terrestrial ecosystems) and supports sustainable management of forest resources.
The project also has a positive impact on the local economy and contributes to SDG 8 (fulfilling employment and economic growth). The use of domestic timber creates local jobs and boosts local economic growth.
Furthermore, our products are sustainable and suitable for cities and communities, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Our beautifully designed and durable products create value in building sustainable homes and communities.
We value sustainability and community development, and we embody that vision by creating products with small diameter wood. These products are part of a sustainable future, are environmentally responsible, support the local economy, and provide beauty and utility.
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