The sculptural concierge counter features salvaged wood from a 400-year-old Camphor tree in Hong Kong. Reclaimed by local startup HK Timberbank, the wood underwent ecofriendly upcycling processing. Designed collaboratively by HK Timberbank and Oval Partnership, the project, named [The scents and the Soil], crafted from the same tree trunk, it exudes elegance and history, evoking a serene fragrance.

Our design process centered on the critical engagement point, that pivotal first encounter visitors would have upon entering the space. Here, we envisioned a sculptural concierge desk that would serve as a captivating storyteller, eloquently narrating the long, illustrious history of Hang Lung Properties.

The tree was obtained from a local village called Wong Yi Au Tsuen in Tai Po. The tree was claimed to have survived over 400 years but had evaluated with the risk of tipping hazard. Arborist was called for service to cut down the tree for risk mitigation in 2023 and was then salvaged by Timberbank.

Unlike conventional concierge designs that often feature artistic wooden sculptures or organically shaped corian stone milled by CNC machines, the sculptural form of this work was uniquely achieved by reverse engineering the rhythmic shapes of original tree trunks through 3D scanning, and then reassembling them in Rhino. While paying homage to the natural majestic form of a 400-year-old camphor tree, the design also incorporates architectural precision to ensure functional effectiveness while accommodating potential improvisation. The six individual trunk pieces were meticulously hand-milled to precise assemblage, yet sculpted asymmetrically and artistically to explore the intricate patterns of the heartwood rings, evoking a sense of rhythm akin to a lady's dancing hemline.

The Timberbank team consisted of individuals who were not your typical carpenters or civil engineers. They were passionate tree enthusiasts who believed in the inherent beauty and transformative power of nature. Embracing a hands-on approach, they immersed themselves in every aspect of the woodworking process, from salvaging trees to sawmilling, drying, and manufacturing. Their motivation stemmed from the realization that trees serve as vital carbon sinks, capturing CO2 and providing us with the very oxygen we breathe. They recognized the value of trees not only as life-giving entities but also as sources of inspiration and stories shared beneath their comforting shade.

Witnessing the heartbreaking sight of countless trees being discarded and wasted, hastily sent to landfills in a matter of days, was a daily catastrophe in Hong Kong. This deeply moved the team, fueling their determination to salvage more trees and showcase their potential to designers and the broader community. They sought to emphasize the preciousness of trees and their ability to boldly inspire our built environment, urging us to cherish and celebrate the unique gifts that nature bestows upon us.