Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has revealed two innovative Christmas trees crafted entirely from timber components that will later be repurposed as furniture for the Tokyo Edition hotels in Toranomon and Ginza. This unique project embodies a sustainable approach to seasonal decorations by transforming festive designs into functional furniture.
The Concept of Kigumi and Komorebi Trees
Each tree was meticulously designed using timber elements arranged to resemble traditional Christmas trees. After the holiday season, the trees will be dismantled, and the timber will be repurposed into furniture by Karimoku, a renowned Japanese wooden furniture manufacturer.
“I designed the Christmas tree as an architectural structure for this project,” explained Kuma. “The trees have a story of their own assembly; even after it is finished, they will live forever. In this sense, I realized the ideal way of architecture in the future through the Christmas tree.”
Kigumi: A Fusion of Wood and Metallic Finishes
The first tree, named Kigumi, was installed in the lobby of the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon. Constructed from linear timber pieces, the design utilized six types of wood: oak, castor aralia, magnolia, Japanese walnut, Japanese maple, and North American walnut. These were adorned with silver and bronze metallic finishes. Post-Christmas, the timber will be transformed into table legs.
Komorebi: Embracing Curved Timber
The second tree, Komorebi, stands in the lobby bar of the Tokyo Edition, Ginza. Its design features rounded timber elements made from oak, castor aralia, magnolia, Japanese walnut, and Japanese maple. Notably, these components were crafted from curved timber pieces that are often discarded. Once disassembled, the solid elements will serve as tabletops, while the hollow pieces will be repurposed as desk legs.
Sustainability in Design
Karimoku’s board director, Eiichiro Kato, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s alignment with sustainable values. “This project of reusing the wood used for the event as furniture is very attractive because it aligns with what we cherish daily,” Kato stated. “We hope that by purchasing the table, you will enjoy the variety of wood used and feel the charm of the forests we benefit from in our lives.”
A Unique Approach to Holiday Decorations
Kengo Kuma’s sustainable trees reflect a broader trend of rethinking festive decorations. This year’s unique designs also include a twisting column tree by Anna Lomax for the V&A and a neon installation by British artist Liz West in Kings Cross. Kuma’s contribution underscores how creativity can merge tradition with sustainability.
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