Unearth

Unearth is a trio of vases that investigates how a single architectural language can unfold into multiple expressions through material, form and interaction. Unified by reclaimed wood shells with a painted finish, each vase reveals a unique inner core - transparent green resin, solid dark teal resin and reflective chrome metal. These materials offer distinct visual and tactile experiences, inviting reflection on light, texture and permanence.
Though visually cohesive, the three vases diverge in how they open and are assembled. One allows a simple slide to reveal its interior; another requires lifting both the top and bottom shells; the third involves a puzzle-like slot mechanism. This progression in complexity transforms each interaction into a quiet ritual, engaging users with varying levels of effort and curiosity. The sequence becomes a metaphor for discovering value through attention - reminding us that sustainability is not a static quality, but a dynamic relationship shaped by care, awareness and context.
Material selection is key to Unearth’s message. The outer shells are made from reclaimed wood, chosen for its embodied history and reduced environmental impact. A coat of paint unifies the exterior while protecting the aged surfaces, framing a contrast between exterior uniformity and inner diversity. Inside, the resin vases are 3D printed using a biodegradable material composed of more than 50% bio-based content, including over 20% renewable soya. The metal core adds a reflective, durable counterpoint, reinforcing the dialogue between impermanence and endurance, nature and industry.
Unearth offers a tactile meditation on transformation. Through its trio structure, it poses questions about labor, attention and care - suggesting that design’s most meaningful gestures often lie in the everyday moments of interaction. Each vase stands alone, but together they form a study in nuance: an invitation to slow down, engage deeply and rediscover the material and emotional layers within daily life.