# Tree Bark Seating Birchbark Chair Demonstrates the Stitching of Old Craft and Contemporary Design By Amelia Roblin | Published 2015-01-13 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birchbark-chair References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/sibirjak-modern-lounge-chair-made-birchbark/) & [anastasiyakoshcheeva](http://www.anastasiyakoshcheeva.com/work/68/) Wood is used commonly in the production of all sorts of furnishings, but what happens to trees' protective skins? This [birchbark chair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woven-chair-designs) takes advantage of an underrated material, and one that was long ago trusted with the construction of some pretty demanding objects. Think back to old [indigenous canoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ibuju) that were rendered water-repellent by this very material. It has amazing natural properties that also make it breathable, antibacterial, durable, flexible and soft to the touch. All of these qualities are prime for a plethora of uses, including where living room furniture is concerned. Impervious to dryness, moisture and many spills, Anastasiya Koshcheeva's Sibiryak [lounger and ottoman](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidahida) can hold a great deal of weight, thanks to a strongly stitched assembly over a sturdy metal frame. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Birchbark Furniture:** Using birchbark in furniture making, especially for indoor settings, creates a unique and sustainable option for designers and consumers. - **Natural Material Design:** Designers who incorporate environmentally-friendly material use in their designs, such as birchbark, can appeal to a growing market of eco-conscious consumers. - **Craftsmanship Techniques in Design:** By incorporating old indigenous craftsmanship techniques into modern designs, designers can create products that are not only unique and beautiful, but also sustainable and culturally significant. ### Who This Affects Most - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Furniture manufacturers can explore ways to incorporate birchbark into their production process and create unique, eco-friendly designs that appeal to consumers. - **Sustainable Design:** The use of sustainable materials is becoming more important in design and birchbark offers an opportunity for designers and companies to appeal to the growing market of eco-conscious consumers. - **Indigenous Artisans and Craftsmanship:** Collaborating with indigenous artisans who have knowledge of traditional craftsmanship techniques can lead to innovative and culturally significant product designs that appeal to a range of consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Naturalistic Stainable Seat Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daisee-chair.md) - [Sustainable Sawmill Modular Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-betula-project.md) - [Living Plant DIY Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-hideaway.md) - [Outdoor Scandinavian Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bste-lounge-chair.md) - [Slick Eco-Conscious Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoconscious-chair-design.md) - [Sustainable Paper-Infused Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/detalji-bench.md) - [Tree Sap-Binding Timber Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvage-and-sap.md) - [Sustainably Minded Seating Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conscious-chair.md) - [Draped Fabric-Clad Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidahida.md)