The Scents and the Soil

"The Scents and the Soil" is a sculptural concierge counter co-designed by the Oval Partnership and HK Timberbank, crafted from salvaged wood of a 400-year-old camphor tree found in Tai Po, Hong Kong. This sustainable piece integrates eco-friendly processes, highlighting the natural beauty and rich history of the wood. It serves as both a functional art installation and a sensory experience, exuding a calming fragrance while telling the story of its origin. Reclaimed by a local eco-startup, the fallen tree trunk was carefully upcycled into a captivating work of design. It evokes both elegance and history, weaving a narrative that connects the past to the present. The project reflects the longstanding values of the client while offering a serene and sensory-rich interaction with the piece. "The Scents and the Soil" brings original thinking to the forefront by repurposing natural material in an innovative way. The design challenge was to create a functional yet artistic piece that also promotes sustainability. Using advanced 3D scanning and Rhino software, the team reverse-engineered the tree’s natural forms, ensuring precision and minimal waste. The result is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, setting a new benchmark for sustainable design. This design strikes a delicate balance between functional formality and local identity. By reusing locally felled timber, it embodies a deep sense of memory, purpose, and sustainability, while telling an engaging story that captivates all who encounter it.