_MATERIALS
LOCATION: JAPAN
Japanese designer Yuma Kano brings to us the diversity of the forest through his new material ForestBank™
ForestBank™ is a unique and innovative material created from forest debris that is normally considered worthless for construction or furniture making.
The idea behind the material design revolves around recognising the multifaceted value of forests beyond just their lumber. Instead of viewing forests solely as a source for timber, Kano took a holistic approach by considering the entire ecosystem and the potential value it holds. This includes utilising various components such as small trees, foliage, bark, seeds, and soil that are often overlooked or considered low value as timber resources.
To create this material, unusable wood and forest materials such as leaves, wood, bark, soil and seeds are collected and mixed together with a reactive mineral base and a water-based acrylic resin (JESMONITE®) that contains no organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The surface is then skillfully carved to give it a lush forest finish.
The result is a one-of-a-kind natural terrazzo-like material with intricate patterns that vary depending on the angle and depth of the cut, the season, and other conditions of the forest at the time of harvest.
What´s fascinating about this material is that furniture made from ForestBank™ changes as it ages. The characteristic yellows and greens are the authentic hues of the trees themselves, naturally dyed by bacteria present in nature. As the seasons change, the once-green leaves transform into warm shades of orange and brown. In addition, earth from the forest soil can also be infused into the material adding depth with its rich browns and blacks, revealing unique cross-sections of the forest floor.
The material can be shaped by using normal woodworking methods and applied in various fields such as furniture and interior design. Plus, forests don´t have to be be its sole source. The material can be made from waste pruned from trees lining streets, parks, gardens and from scrap wood from workshops and factories, opening up a whole new opportunity for repurposing wood waste.
Kano's innovative approach has resulted in a unique and visually appealing material that goes beyond conventional lumber. By repurposing forest debris, Kano has successfully captured the essence and value of the entire forest.
Yuma Kano recently exhibited at Milan Design Week 2023 with designer friend Sho Ota as part of the “TOUCH WOOD” exhibition in Alcova. Showcasing designs that mass production cannot achieve.
To learn more about ForestBank™, visit www.yumakano.com
Sustainability Advantages
Design for Repurpose ForestBank™ is created from wood scraps mixed together with forest debris that is normally considered worthless for construction or furniture making. By embracing a broader view, ForestBank™ opens doors to new possibilities, reimagining the value and uses of forest resources.