GanDan: A Handcrafted Bench Inspired by Nature

Embracing the Beauty of Veneer Gradation

Unlike most wooden furniture that is predominantly made of solid wood, GanDan stands out by utilizing veneer as its main expression. This innovative approach not only adds a touch of elegance to the bench but also reduces waste during the production process. The designers aimed to create a piece that combines the visual appeal of a wooden bench with a soft elasticity feel when sitting.

The production of GanDan involves the use of CNC milling, lathe, and foam wire cutting technologies. The handcraft techniques of Bunaco wrapping and enlacing veneer ribbon, along with manual polishing, add a personal touch to each bench. The materials used include golden teak wood veneer, wood, and foam.

Measuring at Length 900mm x Width 300mm x Height 450mm, GanDan is a testament to the designers' dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The bench's unique design and use of materials make it a standout piece that seamlessly blends art, architecture, and design.

GanDan's interaction is simple yet intriguing. By wrapping and enlacing wood veneer in a Bunaco style, the bench takes on the appearance of a cocoon sphere. Despite its solid appearance, the foam inside provides a soft elasticity feel when seated. The production process ensures that no waste or scrap wood is generated, making GanDan an environmentally friendly choice.

The GanDan project began in August 2020 in Taiwan and was completed in February 2021. It made its debut in March and will be exhibited at the Young Designers' Exhibition in the World Trade Center in May 2021. The designers conducted extensive research on Taiwan's woodworking craftsmanship, aiming to revive the value of handmade woodworking crafts in a world dominated by mass-produced furniture.

GanDan presented several challenges for the design team. The traditional craftsmanship of Bunaco primarily utilizes beech wood, but the team experimented with different materials and techniques to achieve the desired shape and symmetry. Ultimately, they discovered that golden teak veneer provided the perfect gloss and softness for the bench.

This handcrafted bench, GanDan, is a testament to the designers' creativity and dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Its unique design, inspired by nature and executed with precision, sets it apart from other furniture pieces. GanDan was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2021, recognizing its outstanding ingenuity and contribution to improving the quality of life.