Though the Riva 1920 Earth Table has a strikingly futuristic design motif, it is likely to be one of the oldest pieces of furniture in any consumer's collection. That's because the table is made from petrified Kauri wood, which comes from the eponymous ancient tree species native to New Zealand.
Kauri trees are conifers that live in the sub-tropical climates of New Zealand. They date back to the Jurassic period, approximately 190 million years ago. They are some of the biggest trees in the world, standing up to 70 meters tall and with trunks up to nine meters wide. Though many of the trees were felled by colonists, the few remaining today are preserved by the government.
Responsibly, the Riva 1920 Earth Table does not require felling any live Kauri. Rather, the table is made from 50,000-year-old petrified Kauri wood pulled up from a swamp. It is then encased in clear resin to create a unique tabletop.
What's Driving This Trend
- Petrified Wood Furniture
- The Riva 1920 Earth Table showcases the trend of using petrified wood in furniture design, offering opportunities for unique and sustainable pieces.
- Preservation and Conservation
- The government's efforts to preserve the remaining Kauri trees inspire a trend of conservation in the furniture industry, creating opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly designs.
- Ancient Materials in Modern Design
- The use of 50,000-year-old petrified Kauri wood in the Riva 1920 Earth Table reflects a trend of incorporating ancient materials into contemporary furniture, presenting opportunities for historical and visually striking designs.
Who This Affects Most
- Furniture Manufacturing
- The Riva 1920 Earth Table introduces an innovative approach to creating sustainable and visually stunning furniture, opening up possibilities for eco-conscious manufacturers.
- Interior Design
- The trend of using petrified wood and ancient materials in furniture design creates opportunities for interior designers to create unique and timeless spaces that incorporate natural elements.
- Tourism and Nature Conservation
- The preservation of the Kauri trees and the appeal of their ancient wood can spark interest in eco-tourism, providing opportunities for the tourism industry to promote nature conservation and sustainable practices.
