Detail

From Fallen Tree to New Life

What can you do with a big tree that an overnight storm has uprooted?

That was the challenge posed to 10 Singapore Polytechnic Diploma in Interior Design students from Year 1 to Year 3. The question was simple yet meaningful: Can the tree be repurposed? Can its legacy live on?

Working in pairs, the students embraced the spirit of sustainability by transforming the fallen tree into something new. Through creativity and thoughtful design, they explored ways to give the tree a meaningful second life.

The winning group are Rani Jeevan Babu Chethana and Kaela Kum from Year 3.

Organised by NineCo Plus Pte Ltd and Sunray Woodcraft Construction Pte Ltd, the design competition encouraged students to think about sustainability, craftsmanship, and storytelling through design.

With the tree located at Link Hotel in Tiong Bahru—a neighbourhood rich in history and culture—the students drew inspiration from the area’s unique charm. Their ideas came to life as beautifully crafted objects, including chairs, benches, coasters, and a floor lamp.

What was once a fallen tree is now a collection of thoughtful designs that celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the spirit of Tiong Bahru.