Specie: European Oak
Finish: Pre-Aging & Oil Plus 2C
Colour/s: Fume Intense & Dulce
Dimensions: 1000mm H x 900mm W x 450mm D

Crafted from solid European oak, this three-drawer chest was created for the Rubio Monocoat Heritage Build-Off as an exploration of how tradition can be carried forward through contemporary woodworking.

The design was inspired by the language of historic timber geometry, particularly the rhythm and repetition found in Japanese Kumiko lattice patterns, where small wooden elements create depth, movement, and shifting shadows. Rather than reproducing a traditional motif, the piece reinterprets that heritage through carved relief: directional fluting transitions into a field of faceted geometric forms, creating the illusion of interlocking wooden modules that change with the light.

The diagonal composition symbolizes the meeting point between past and present – the linear grain of traditional craftsmanship dissolving into a new geometric vocabulary shaped by modern tools and digital carving, while remaining rooted in the timeless material of oak.

To reinforce the theme of heritage and aging, the timber was treated with Rubio Monocoat Pre-Aging, colour “Fumed Intense”, allowing the oak to develop the depth and character of naturally matured wood. The final finish, Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C, colour “Dulce”, enriches the grain with a warm, understated tone that highlights both the natural figure of the European oak and the sculptural relief of the carved surface.

The drawers are fitted with concealed undermount runners, preserving the clean architectural form and allowing the focus to remain on the carved façade and the material itself.

This piece is not intended as a reproduction of historical furniture; it is a conversation between heritage and innovation. Every groove, facet, and shadow is a reminder that woodworking evolves, but its foundation remains the same: wood, light, patience, and the hands of the maker. Through this work, the past is not preserved behind glass – it is carried forward into a new generation of craft.