Zense: Tradition Reimagined in a Transformative Table Set

Louis Wai Yin Hung’s kinetic design bridges heritage and modern ritual

Zense stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of tradition in contemporary design. Conceived by Louis Wai Yin Hung, this table and chair set draws inspiration from the rituals of tea ceremony and calligraphy, merging them into a single, kinetic object. The design’s slender exoskeleton, achieved through artisanal woodcraft, enforces a sense of ritual deliberation, inviting users to engage all five senses. By making tradition tactile rather than symbolic, Zense turns cultural memory into a tangible, sensory encounter.

Distinct from conventional furniture, Zense operates as both a practical object and a ritual instrument. Its transforming structure, crafted from exceptionally slender upcycled wood members, orchestrates ceremonial acts with each interaction. The deliberate motions—wood sliding and joinery clicking—become sensory rituals, converting everyday spaces into vessels of heritage. The exoskeleton’s artisanal precision ensures that every operational motion is a ceremonial act, reinforcing the importance of mindfulness and presence.

The realization of Zense is a feat of craftsmanship and innovation. Handcrafted by master artisans using traditional Chinese joinery, the set comprises 553 upcycled timber components, each meticulously shaped for optimal weight distribution. The absence of metal fasteners, replaced by wood-on-wood joinery and discreetly embedded magnets, highlights the commitment to vernacular craftsmanship. Analog iterations, rather than digital modeling, refined the proportions, ensuring harmony between form and function and embodying meditative precision in every detail.

Functionality is at the heart of Zense’s design. The table begins as a serene writing surface and, with a simple lift, transforms into a tea ceremony platform. This seamless transition, devoid of buttons or complex mechanisms, mirrors the care and mindfulness inherent in traditional rituals. Each interaction—whether the weight of moving parts or the satisfying click of alignment—addresses all five senses, making the past feel present and purposeful.

Research and development for Zense focused on pushing the limits of wood’s structural integrity while preserving the essence of ancient joinery techniques. The design process relied on the tactile intelligence of craftsmen, who refined each slender element through hands-on testing rather than engineering calculations. Challenges included working with upcycled wood and achieving perfect joinery without metal fasteners, all of which were overcome through the expertise of master artisans and a deep respect for fading craftsmanship traditions.

Zense’s impact has been recognized internationally, earning the prestigious Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2025. This accolade celebrates creations that advance art, science, and design, and Zense exemplifies this by seamlessly blending cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. The project’s exhibitions across Milan, Hong Kong, and China further underscore its significance as a bridge between past and future, tradition and modernity.

In summary, Zense by Louis Wai Yin Hung is more than a piece of furniture—it is a transformative experience that invites users to rediscover tradition through mindful interaction and sensory engagement. As a trendsetting creation, Zense sets a new standard for how design can honor heritage while advancing contemporary lifestyles.