coppiced sweet chestnut wood sculpts tree furniture collection by masao rong

Traditional Craft and Sustainable Design meet in ‘Tree’ Collection

The Tree, designed by Masao Rong, is a furniture collection crafted from coppiced sweet chestnut wood sourced from Surrey, England. This series of sculptural furniture, including table and chair pieces, is created from single tree trunks, which are hand-split and meticulously processed by local coppice workers. The final touch involves the application of layers of lacquer, a technique inspired by traditional Asian methods, followed by careful sanding to achieve a smooth finish. This approach preserves the natural texture of the wood while removing splinters, ensuring a refined yet organic appearance.

all images by Jayoon Lee

for his ‘tree’ furniture series, Masao Rong utilizes Coppicing

Coppicing, a traditional method of forest management, has been practiced in England for centuries, providing a sustainable source of timber for local communities. This project seeks to restore the connection between people and their environment by incorporating locally sourced wood into everyday living spaces. By collaborating closely with coppice workers, the designer emphasizes a holistic approach, where each piece of furniture is crafted from a single tree trunk. This design philosophy reflects a deeper ideological shift toward accepting and respecting nature’s creations in their entirety, challenging the human-centered perspective of nature as a resource for exploitation. ‘The tree’ collection is currently available at Mint Gallery.

the Tree collection includes tables and chairs, each crafted with a focus on sustainability

the Tree collection by Masao Rong features sculptural furniture crafted from coppiced sweet chestnut wood

each piece is made from a single tree trunk, showcasing the natural beauty of Surrey-sourced chestnut

layers of lacquer, inspired by traditional Asian techniques, are applied to the wood, enhancing its natural grain

coppicing, the forest management technique used to source the wood, has a long history in England

the Tree series seeks to reconnect people with their environment through the use of locally sourced wood

project info:

name: The tree
designer: Masao Rong

host: Mint Gallery

photography: Jayoon Lee

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