3D scanned tree trunks become translucent table legs for aki hamada architects' collection

Aki Hamada Architects’ table rests on biodegradable legs

Aki Hamada Architects presents Floating Wood, a furniture series that applies digital fabrication and embraces natural imperfections. The project transforms real tree trunks into table legs through 3D scanning and printing to preserve their natural shapes while allowing them to rotate freely. The result is a collection of tables that resemble a floating grove.

Each table leg is made from cellulose acetate, a biodegradable material derived from wood fiber and cotton, which naturally decomposes when buried or submerged. The plasticizer is food-safe and also used in space food, supporting the eco-friendly approach of the design team. Resting on these transparent, tree-like legs are oak tabletops marked with insect-made patterns, repurposing wood that would typically be discarded.

all images by Yuuki Tanaka

Floating Wood series reinterprets folk art

Floating Wood brings a fresh take on traditional craft by using digital tools to shape organic forms. Tokyo-based Aki Hamada Architects teams up with Boolean for 3D printing and Yutaro Matsumoto for wood production, combining their expertise to transform real tree trunks into unique furniture pieces. The process starts with scanning the trunks and customizing their shapes through 3D printing, aiming to preserve their natural feel as much as possible, while introducing new possibilities.

The use of insect-related bio-fabrication adds an unexpected quality, making each tabletop distinct.

The project challenges conventional mass production, showing how digital design can integrate imperfections instead of erasing them. 

this furniture series applies digital fabrication and embraces natural imperfections

the project transforms real tree trunks into table legs

this collection of tables that resembles a floating grove

each table leg is made from cellulose acetate

the plasticizer is food-safe and also used in space food

the tabletops are marked with insect-made patterns

repurposing wood that would typically be discarded

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design process sketch by Aki Hamada Architects

the use of insect-related bio-fabrication adds an unexpected quality

each table is distinct

the project challenges conventional mass production

showing how digital design can integrate imperfections

transforming real tree trunks into unique furniture pieces

preserving their natural feel as much as possible

project info:

name: Floating Wood
designer: Aki Hamada Architects | @aki_hamada_architects

lead designers: Aki Hamada, Yanning Hou
3D print: Boolean (Toki Hamasaki)
wood furniture: Yutaro Matsumoto
photographer: Yuuki Tanaka