How can the identity of a tree contribute to the ecological durability and awareness of the use of wood? That was the research question of Pierke hulshof for his Master thesis of design and ethics. Pierke is researching the human qualities in trees as a starting point in the furniture he Designs. He asked six designers to collaborate with him by designing a sitting object with each a different wood species and aligned the qualities of the trees with the personalities for a unique outcome and the start of a conversation piece.

The Oak, assigned to Mathijs van Gageldonk.
The inspiration of the design is from the humble oak in the forest that does not ask for much attention, as a social tree it takes care of the surrounding trees by creating a huge network of roots underground. I tried to translate this network in the stool for a more characteristic and alive visual and feeling.

With the slow growth process of the tree, it can become very old and very strong. The strength is translated in the ‘‘fragile’’ appearance while the connections make a strong product that can hold a person with no problem. The stool is made without the use of a big circular saw, due to the amount of wood it cuts away. By crafting the stool with as minimal waste as possible a careful saw process and puzzling in the wood beams was required. The end result of the wandering oak is a conversation piece in the living room, a stool to sit on or an object with an identity that claims its own space.