· What?
The Arbor-essence project aims to highlight French forests, particularly the magnificent oaks of the Perche region, while combining the latest wood technologies with the ancestral craftsmanship of local artisans. The collection consists of a wardrobe and a sideboard, blending functionality, poetry, and a strong connection to nature.

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· How?
Inside the wardrobe, a real oak branch collected from the forest serves as a clothing rod and extends to one side to become a coat hook, adding a poetic touch. Artisans employed traditional joinery techniques largely forgotten in industrial production: dovetails, dowels, mortise-and-tenon, etc., for a timeless and high-quality finish.

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The wood is sourced locally from PEFC-certified forests in Perche, ensuring a low carbon footprint and sustainable management. A 200-year-old oak was scanned in 3D to reproduce its bark on the wardrobe doors using a 5-axis carving machine, resulting in a visually and tactilely realistic texture that brings the feeling of holding a real tree at home.

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This project brings together designer Thomas de Lussac, skilled artisans, an engineering office, and guidance from INRA and ONF, demonstrating French perseverance, quality craftsmanship, and collaborative creativity.