decorative squirrel made of softwood can be finished off with found tree branches as tail

aequo.design crafts KASPAR wooden squirrel OBJECT

KASPAR is a wooden object designed by aequo.design that takes the form of a squirrel and is completed by the user through the addition of a found branch. The branch, collected during a walk in the forest, becomes an integral part of the object, extending the design through a simple act of interaction with the surrounding landscape.

The object is part of the ‘animal branché’ collection, a term that in French refers both to ‘plugged-in’ and ‘trendy.’ KASPAR is produced from softwood sourced from the Northern Vosges Mountains and manufactured in the Bitcherland region. Its design allows the added branch to naturally change color over time, gradually developing a russet tone that reflects the material’s aging process.

KASPAR was conceived in relation to seasonal practices linked to the use and disposal of fir trees after the winter holidays. By reintroducing a branch into a new context, the object reframes a familiar material and extends its use beyond its original function. This approach aligns with broader considerations around resource use, material longevity, and forest stewardship.

all images by Benjamin Helle

KASPAR reflects on resource use and forest stewardship

The project by studio aequo.design is closely connected to the Pays de Bitche, a territory located between Alsace and Moselle with a strong tradition in craft and manufacturing. The region has a long history in glass and crystal production and continues to support wood-related trades such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, basket weaving, and clog making. Through initiatives such as the ‘Design of Forest Worlds’ program at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, as well as collaborations with professional design studios including aequo.design, local authorities encourage the transmission and reinterpretation of regional know-how.

KASPAR is developed under the MAGIQUEB!TCHLERLAND brand, created by the Pays de Bitche Community of Municipalities. The brand promotes forest preservation and local expertise, particularly in glass, crystal, and woodworking. It operates both as a tool for regional representation and as a complementary designation associated with locally designed and manufactured products. Within this framework, KASPAR and Les Pampilles are among the first objects developed to support the emerging wood industry and reinforce local production networks.

KASPAR is a wooden object designed by aequo.design in the form of a squirrel

the object is completed by the user through the addition of a found branch

the added branch extends the object through direct interaction with the landscape

the branch gradually develops a russet tone as it dries, reflecting considerations of forest stewardship

Arthur Lenglin & Tim Defleur, aequo.design studio

LaHo création (manufacturer) & aequo.design

project info:

name: KASPAR
designer: aequo.design | @aequo.design

manufacturer: LaHo création

photographer: Benjamin Helle | @studio.b.helle

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom