Designer Yuma Kano Unveils Innovative Wood-Based Material at Milan Design Week | ForestBank

FDT Bureau

Yuma Kano, a renowned Japanese designer, has astounded the design world with his latest creation showcased at Milan Design Week. Collaborating with fellow designer Sho Ota for the Touch Wood exhibition at the Alcova venue, Kano presents a remarkable decorative material reminiscent of terrazzo. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

What sets this material apart is its unique composition, crafted from wood, foliage, bark, soil and seeds sourced from the forest. The project’s core concept revolves around extracting value not only from lumber but from all elements found in the forest. Kano meticulously gathers discarded wood and other forest materials, expertly blending them with a water-based acrylic resin, free from reactive mineral bases or volatile organic solvents.

Kano’s innovative technique yields a material that exhibits varied patterns depending on the angle and depth of the cut, as well as the combination of ingredients used such as foliage, wood, bark, soil and seeds. This means that furniture crafted from the ForestBank material may evolve in appearance as it ages gracefully.

The green leaves mixed in change to orange and brown as the seasons change. In addition, earth from the forest floor can be mixed in, adding browns and blacks. According to the designer, one can observe the intricate patterns of cross sections from roots and seeds that are typically concealed beneath the earth, appreciating the distinct hues of different tree species.

Kano has crafted a stunning collection of furniture including tables, seats and a clothes hanger, all utilizing this extraordinary material. Notably, these pieces can be recycled in the future to create more ForestBank material. The designer has been reusing the dust from the original pieces for future creations.

Image credit: Dezeen