This Week from the Woodworkers Institute – Newsletter 30

Welcome to the Woodworkers Institute Newsletter!
Each week we bring you a round-up of interesting and entertaining woodworking content from the Woodworkers Institute and the web, including handy tips to help you get stuck into your next woodworking project.
Detailed wooden mountain sculpture on table.
Bringing The Outside In
Natural forms have long inspired furniture design, offering both aesthetic beauty and ergonomic innovation. Designers frequently look to organic shapes, materials, and processes found in nature as a way of bringing the outdoors indoors. Let’s take a look at some notable examples. 

The work of Gavin Munro’s Full Grown project in Derbyshire in the UK uses moulds to grow trees into chairs and other furniture pieces. This method eliminates the need for traditional joinery and reduces waste, as the trees naturally form the desired shapes over several years. Similarly, Dutch designer Robert van Embricqs has created the Rising Furniture collection, which includes chairs and tables that transform from flat surfaces into functional furniture. Inspired by the way plants grow and unfold, these pieces emphasise the potential of materials to dictate their own form. 

In the Philippines, Kenneth Cobonpue designs sculptural furniture that draws directly from natural elements. His Zaza chair, for instance, features a backrest resembling a large leaf, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The Design by Nature collection by Swedish studio Front and Italian brand Moroso takes inspiration from natural landscapes. Using 3D scans of forests and coastlines, they create furniture pieces that bring the textures and forms of the outdoors into interior spaces. 

These examples illustrate how natural forms continue to influence furniture design, leading to innovative approaches that blend functionality and a pleasing aesthetic.

Videos of the week

Making a Kigumi Table. Experience the artistry of Natsuki Ishitani as he crafts a stunning oak Kigumi table using traditional Japanese joinery.​
Draken in the North Sea. The Draken Harald Hårfagre braves a violent North Sea storm, showcasing Viking ship design and modern crew endurance.
10 Common Wood Turning Mistakes. Avoid these frequent woodturning errors to enhance your skills, ensure safety, and achieve better results.

Articles of the week

Viking Ship Prow Panel
Simple Japanese Furniture: Constructing a Writing Desk

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