Stratum

The project started with the motivation to reclaim material from a continuously waste-generating system. Interlayer sticks (strö) are commonly used in the wood industry to separate planks during storage and transport, but they're usually discarded after just one use.

During the research phase, I explored wood-derived materials and different techniques for joining wood to extend the material. Edge-glued panels especially caught my attention. Interlayer sticks are typically too small for standard edge-gluing, resulting in a striped appearance that's often seen as unflattering. I personally enjoy patterns and saw potential in transforming this effect into something desirable.

Patterns can be decorative but also functional, helping conceal scratches and stains to keep surfaces looking fresh longer, while also influencing mood and perception. Inspired by the striped look of skateboard decks with dyed veneers, I wanted to enhance the striped expression, using color.

Since dyed veneer wasnt available to me, I considered other evenly dyed wood-based materials and realized that paper could work. Over 45 experiments with paper and wood followed, each testing a way to solve a problem or explore a visual effect.

The result is not a finished product, but a method for combining wood and paper to create pattern effects on wood surfaces. The suggestion is to insert paper-laminated sticks into grooves in plywood, rather than using them alone, to improve strength and enable more creative freedom in pattern-making, seen in my latest samples.