ForestBank: Crafting a New Material Lexicon

Unearthing Nature’s Hidden Tapestry through Innovative Design.

In the realm of furniture and product design, it’s rare to encounter an idea that transcends mere aesthetics to profoundly engage with the environment. ForestBank by Japanese designer Yuma Kano is one such exceptional venture. Beyond its captivating visual narrative, the collection offers a nuanced exploration into woodlands’ untapped potential.

Kano’s ForestBank isn’t simply a reimagining of timber; it serves as an ambassador for forests’ overlooked elements—soil, bark, seeds, and foliage. Ingeniously amalgamated with a reactive mineral base and a water-based acrylic resin free from harmful solvents, the sustainable material encapsulates a poetic vision for environmental stewardship.

This novel composite exhibits a dynamism often absent in conventional materials. Each cut reveals shifting patterns, influenced by the angle, season, and origin of the harvest. It’s not just a material; it’s a visual sonnet, singing praises to the inimitable intricacies of a woodland. The green and yellow hues are more than mere color; they’re an authentic chronicle of the trees themselves, deepened by naturally occurring bacteria. As the seasons evolve, so do the colors, embracing oranges and browns, making every piece a living tribute to nature’s cycles. Incorporating forest soil further enriches this symphony, adding complex textures and earth-toned notes.

But this ingenious concept doesn’t stop at the forest’s edge. The material can also incorporate pruned branches from urban landscapes and discarded wood from workshops. Each new combination tells a distinct story, rooted in different origins but united in its reverence for the natural world.

In creating ForestBank, Yuma Kano doesn’t just change the way we see materials; he changes our relationship with the environment around us. Here is a narrative spun from the soil, leaves, and bark – encouraging us not merely to admire, but to ponder the limitless possibilities and value of these natural materials. Photography © Shot by Kusk.