THE DESIGN
The concept for this seat was that it should be carved simply from a tree cut down and left on the forest floor where it had been felled – an idea that had to be adapted slightly since Alvarez was working with American hardwood in England. He did carve his bench from a single untreated log of American cherry, outside in the grounds of Benchmark.  One of the things Alvarez particularly likes about the timber is that it is one of the few that becomes darker with time, rather than fading.
His intention was to achieve simplicity, and this is what he has done, using a portable saw mill and a chain saw to create his bench with just three cuts. One end of the bench remains as uncut wood, with the bark still on.  Alvarez’ idea is that it would be a pleasure to happen on such a bench during a walk through the woods. While a tired walker could happily perch on a tree stump, there is a special magic in finding something that has been specifically made.

LIFECYCLE CONSIDERATIONS
Almost all of the impacts associated with this bench relate to the material, since there is in theory no transport to site, and no finishing. The bench is not comparable to other solutions, not least in terms of durability. The unseasoned timber will dry and split quite dramatically but Alvarez is happy to accept the cracks as part of the ‘natural’ aesthetic. And of course, at the end of its life, the bench, like the offcuts, will decay on the ground and give up its nutrients to the soil.

Click to view the impact assessment and/or short film for Tree Furniture.