Intersection is a multidisciplinary exploration of human connection and its rootedness in the natural world. Conceived by master craftsman Derrick Baard of Purespace Design, the solid timber form represents the foundational values of trust and integrity — the grounded base upon which all meaningful relationships are built.
In this unique cruciform design, four solid benches converge at a central point to nurture a living tree, symbolising our collective responsibility to protect the life-giving heart of our ecosystems. The curved ‘love seat’ backrests — sourced from upcycled chair elements — introduce a layer of history and continuity, echoing the fluid nature of the connections that shape our lives.
Integrating a tactile, narrative layer into this structure is the work of acclaimed ceramicist and materials engineer John Bauer. Bauer’s porcelain inlays are embedded into the timber, inviting the sitter to discover small, hidden stories beneath their fingertips. These porcelain elements act as ‘fossilised memories,’ merging Baard’s architectural strength with Bauer’s delicate, artisanal detail. Crafted from naturally felled trees, the bench is a functional monument to the belief that to build for people, we must first care for the earth.
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