Moonwood
Moon wood — the very name exerts a magical allure. But this exceptional material has a great deal more to offer than that. Steeped in nocturnal mystique, it also lends itself perfectly to practical applications in architecture and furniture construction.
Trees can reach an age that exceeds ours a hundredfold and its wood remains intact for an incredible length of time. Little wonder, then, that for thousands of years, people have been studying the effect of when the wood is harvested on its quality. To this day, moon wood is said to be less combustible, more resistant to rot and less likely to expand or shrink. It is also thought to be particularly dry and hard. Because trees absorb more moisture at full moon, this makes moon wood less prone to cracking and deformation. It retains its shape and stability over time, making it an ideal choice for bespoke furniture and architectural applications.
Moon wood is prized for its excellent properties in countless cultures around the world. Even the ancient Romans are said to have built their galleys exclusively from moon wood, thanks to its resistance to the marine borer, an aquatic wood pest akin to the land-dwelling bark beetle.
In China, it remains the material of choice for the production of objects of art and furniture, and is believed to foster positive energy and harmony in the home. In Japanese culture, it is used in the construction of temples and shrines to forge a connection between nature and cosmic forces. These diverse cultural roles are testament to the versatility and symbolic richness of moon wood.
For the large-scale renovation of Château de Raymontpierre, the latest member of The Living Circle, moon wood was sourced from the nearby forest. Spruce was used for all interior fittings — from the floors and the wall panelling to the furniture — lending the historical rooms a unique ambience.
But artisanal considerations are just one part of the equation: By using moon wood in architecture and furniture construction, we also pay homage to the beauty of nature and the evocative allure of the moon. Moon wood transports the magic of the night into interior spaces, reminding us that nature is a source of inspiration and beauty.