MJ Fraser makes lamps using trees from his childhood garden
Trees From The Garden is a collection of light bulbs by MJ Fraser, developed from impressions of trees found in the designer’s childhood garden. Each piece is formed using individual molds taken from its sections bark and branchesresulting in distinct variations in the sequence. Lamps are mainly made from a biodegradable thermoplasticestablishing a material system that combines organic reporting with synthetic processing.
The project re-examines the use of trees in design by focusing on exterior surface qualities rather than conventional ones timber export. Rather than processing wood into standardized elements, the approach captures textures, irregularities and natural patterns, turning them into modular elements. These elements are assembled through a ‘cut and paste’ method, producing layered compositions that emphasize variation and repetition. The process is based on associative and intuitive construction methods, where forms are combined through stepwise decisions within a defined system.
TFTG 05 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components | all images courtesy of MJ Fraser
MJ Fraser captures the textures of tree bark in intricate lamps
Material efficiency is built into both the selection process and the manufacturing process designer MJ Fraser. The thermoplastic contains about 30 percent sawdust waste, linking the material back to its source while reducing reliance on virgin inputs. Production produces minimal waste, as offcuts are reheated and reused as welding material or internal structural components. The heat-activated adhesive properties of the material remove the need for additional adhesives and the surfaces are finished with a natural mineral color.
Throughout the collection, lamps act as translations of natural forms into manufactured objects. Surface textures, layered silhouettes and qualities of diffused light contribute to an atmosphere that references the spatial and visual experience of trees. The project establishes a relationship between memory, material and construction, where physical structures are not directly reproduced, but reinterpreted through a controlled design process.
TFTG 05 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 03 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 04 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 06 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 06 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 10 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
TFTG 10 worbla (biodegradable thermoplastic), natural mineral paint, lighting components
taking a mold from a plane tree
mold cataloging
applying the plastic sheet
various molds
project information:
name: Trees from the garden
designer: MJ Fraser | @mj_fraser
designboom received this project from us DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
