dear designboom reader,

versatile, lightweight and resilient, wood continues to be one of the most frequently used natural materials in architecture and design projects. showcasing his special affinity with the material once more, kengo kuma has used 105 square cypress balustrades to enhance the appearance of a reconstructed bridge in japan.

meanwhile researchers have introduced a new way of producing wooden furniture and decorative architectural elements using a powder that morphs into shape as it dries. called 'wood flour', the mixture can be used to 3D print objects as flat sheets, which can then be transformed into their desired final shapes using a stimulus, such as a change in temperature, pH, or moisture content.

thanks for reading!

sofia lekka angelopoulou | deputy editor