forestbank is a new type of wood made from tree debris, leaves, seeds and soil

ForestBank by Yuma Kano

Japanese designer Yuma Kano introduces ForestBank, a new type of wood made from forest debris normally considered ‘worthless’ for furniture construction. To create this material, small trees, leaves, bark, seeds, soil, and other items are mixed only with a reactive mineral base and a water-based acrylic resin that contains no organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The result sees unique patterns that vary depending on the season, and other conditions of the forest at the time of harvest.

On the occasion of the 2022 edition of DESIGNART Tokyo, Yuma Kano exhibits two furniture pieces made from ForestBank. The chair and table designs were displayed at the main exhibition of the event. As a media partner of DESIGNART Tokyo 2022, designboom highlights the venues and exhibitions that enliven the Japanese city this month.

ForestBank is made from forest debris that is normally considered ‘worthless’ for furniture construction

all images courtesy of Shot by Kusk, unless stated otherwise

complex patterns telling unique stories

In addition to pure timber production, ForestBank also explores opportunities around forests and seeks to determine their full value. The resulting material features a range of different colors that reflect the characteristics of the harvest site. The yellows and greens seen on the surface of ForestBank are the actual coloring of the trees, which are dyed by bacteria found in nature. The green leaves mixed in change to orange and brown as the seasons change. In addition, soil from the forest floor can be mixed in, adding shades of brown and black. The complex patterns on ForestBank are the result of cross-sections of roots and seeds normally hidden in the soil.

ForestBank by Yuma Kano (find more here) can be shaped by using normal woodworking methods and applied in various fields like furniture construction and interior design. Moreover, the forest doesn’t have to be its only source. The material can be made from waste from trees along roads, in parks, and gardens, as well as from wood waste from wood workshops, to create original patterns that tell a unique story.

ForestBank can be shaped by using normal woodworking methods and applied in various fields like furniture construction