Uneri, Sotanaka’s collection designed with nature
A series of functional furniture pieces that seem to belong in a fairy-tale world, Uneri is inspired by the sight of camphor tree branches fallen among flower beds in Tokyo.
Soichiro Tanaka, founder of the Tokyo-based studio SOTANAKA, conceives the design process as a journey of exploration, both aesthetic and material, that leads to the finished product. An example of this approach is his latest collection, Uneri, presented during Three Days of Design.
As the designer explains: “If my approach seems different from that of conventional industrial design, I believe it’s because I view the two factors mentioned above-the aesthetic aspect of the design process and the constraints imposed by the properties of materials-not as obstacles to be overcome, but as a mechanism capable of sparking creativity.”
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SOTANAKA by Uneri
Uneri: SOTANAKA’s method in practice
The designer does not begin with sketches or drafts but with intuitions drawn from his surroundings. Before the theoretical and research phase comes experimentation – the process of learning by actually doing. An example of this approach can be found in Uneri, a collection of poetic furnishings inspired by urban trees, particularly their falling branches.
“Like strands of hair on the floor, they belong to no one: they wait to return to the earth or to be discarded. However, if you look closely at their complex curves, they possess an inexhaustible charm,” Sotanaka told us.
Following this insight, the designer began a process of experimentation to understand how to incorporate the qualities of the branches – as objects in their own right – into the structure of the furniture. The result is a solid, original collection that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale.
The creative process
The actual construction begins with a selection phase: only branches with a diameter between 3 and 5 cm are collected. The thinner ones are used where more delicate curves are desired, while the thicker ones are used for parts requiring greater structural strength.
The branches must be in good condition with minimal damage. The selection strikes a balance between relatively straight pieces and branches with more pronounced curves.
Regarding the wood species: “Camphor trees – particularly those commonly used as street trees in Tokyo – are not only durable but also contain a fragrant substance that makes them less vulnerable to insects.”
The pieces are temporarily secured to the wooden boards with screws to adjust their arrangement toward the final composition. Once a basic structure has been defined, the designer selects the branches intended for reinforcement – these often have even more distinctive curves than those used for the legs. Once cut to the required length, they are temporarily secured with clamps.
A custom joinery method
This phase requires a great deal of patience and attention, as even minor variations in the attachment points can significantly alter the overall appearance. Proportions and stability are carefully evaluated from various angles, so much so that this operation can take several hours of work. Once the positioning is finalized, the actual assembly begins.
The designer has developed his own method for securing the pieces – “in principle, it’s not very different from a classic half-lap joint, but a special process is needed to adapt to the unique curvature of each branch.”
The points where the branches intersect are marked with a pen, , and the braces are then removed one by one. Using a saw and chisel, joints are cut into the overlapping areas – both on the brace and on the structural legs – while continuously checking the shape. The goal is to achieve a secure fit that closes perfectly when pressure is applied.
Given the different curves of each branch, the cut must also be precisely adjusted. Once the desired result is achieved, wooden dowels and adhesive are applied, and the elements are secured with clamps that are tightened to the limit, ensuring that the branches fit together as if they had always been a single piece.
The aesthetic language of Uneri
The collection features a matte black enamel finish that enhances the pieces’ durability. This shade was chosen to best highlight the contours of the branches, emphasizing their silhouette-like presence. Another reason is the traditional character of this finish, which is found in other typical Japanese woodworking techniques, such as lacquer, ink, and persimmon tannin.
