Interview about Mushroom Side Table, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
The Mushroom project is an eco-friendly initiative that repurposes wood scraps from furniture manufacturing into a uniquely designed small side table. Instead of discarding the scraps, they are carefully shaped into wide panels and arranged to form a three dimensional end grain pattern. The tabletop showcases an eye catching cross sectional design using three different types of wood, while the smoothly curved legs resemble a mushroom stem. With a height of 380mm, Mushroom functions as a coffee table or bedside table, giving new value to discarded wood while minimizing waste.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWhile exploring ways to recycle wood scraps generated during the furniture production process, I considered assembling small pieces into a single panel. During this process, I discovered that by using the end grain technique, I could not only create a unique pattern but also combine multiple pieces into a larger panel. This approach led to the creation of the tabletop for the Mushroom Side Table.
The Mushroom Side Table features a pattern made from three types of wood: walnut, hard maple, and cherry. I chose these materials because they were the most readily available and offered a harmonious contrast in color — from light beige to reddish brown to dark brown — which helped create a balanced and visually appealing pattern.
To recycle irregular wood scraps, I needed to cut them into trapezoidal shapes with a 4cm top, 7.5cm bottom, and 3.5cm height using a table saw. At first, I drew each shape by hand with a pencil directly on the wood and cut them one by one. However, due to the small size and irregular shapes of the scraps, it became very difficult to use the table saw accurately and safely.To solve this issue, I laser-cut a thin wood sheet into a trapezoidal template, which I could attach to each scrap piece. This allowed me to cut all the pieces into a consistent shape with much greater precision and efficiency.
Since the Mushroom Side Table is inspired by mushrooms, I wanted to design the legs with an organic form instead of typical straight wooden legs. To achieve this, I laminated the three types of wood used for the tabletop to create a patterned block, then shaped the top and bottom parts into smooth curves using a wood lathe. By keeping the middle section thicker, I was able to maintain structural strength while minimizing waste, resulting in uniquely curved legs that balance form and function.
At OCAD’s Wood Studio, there is a wide range of woodworking tools available, and a technician is always on site to ensure safe use of the tools and to answer any questions during the furniture-making process. Additionally, instead of discarding wood scraps, there is a dedicated box where people can freely take these scraps to create their own projects.The idea for the Mushroom Side Table began with the thought that although the wood scraps in the box were not the ideal size for making something on their own, perhaps they could be used to create patterned furniture.
Although there are many different end grain patterns, I wanted the Mushroom Side Table to have a three-dimensional feel. To achieve this, I arranged three trapezoidal pieces of different colors to create a 3D-like pattern.
I believe the sustainable design approach demonstrated in the Mushroom Side Table can encourage the furniture industry to rethink waste as a valuable resource rather than just discard material. By creatively repurposing wood scraps and using techniques like laminated end grain panels, manufacturers can reduce material waste while still producing beautiful and structurally sound pieces. This methodology promotes a shift toward more eco-conscious production practices that balance environmental responsibility with design innovation. Over time, I hope it inspires wider adoption of sustainable processes throughout the furniture manufacturing sector.
Through designing the Mushroom Side Table, I learned that functionality and environmental responsibility don’t have to be at odds—they can actually enhance one another. By working with reclaimed materials, I had to think more critically and intentionally about the form, construction, and purpose of each element. This process taught me that sustainable design is not just about reducing waste, but also about making the most out of limited resources while still achieving a high level of craftsmanship and utility.
One of the most unexpected discoveries during the development of the Mushroom Side Table was realizing how limitations—like working with irregular wood scraps—can actually fuel creativity rather than hinder it. Initially, I saw the scraps as a challenge, but finding ways to repurpose them into something beautiful taught me to embrace constraints as opportunities.
My advice to emerging designers looking to incorporate sustainability into their work is to start by truly understanding the materials they use—including what is often discarded. Look for opportunities to repurpose or upcycle scraps creatively rather than seeing them as waste. Embrace constraints as a way to fuel innovation, and don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional techniques.
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