Save the Avatar Tree!

The "Avatar" tree

CBS recently completed construction drawings for a home in Indian Harbour Beach situated on a panoramic site facing the Banana and Indian Rivers.  The property had an enormous live oak tree around which the home was designed.  We started calling it the "Avatar" tree so others would understand the awesomeness of this particular tree.  Measuring over 60" across the widest section of trunk, this tree had to be hundreds of years old.  

Much to our dismay (and of course right after the final drawings were completed), the owner called to let us know that the tree was "not going to make it".  The tree was leaning more than usual.  Leaning indicates a weakened root system and possibly hollow trunk most likely due to age and/or past lighting strikes.  An arborist recommended removing it before construction commenced.  The idea of this great giant chopped up rotting in a landfill saddened me although I thought it was inevitable.  

At the next office meeting we were discussing the fate of the tree and our newest office addition, Mike Casale (industrial engineer by training) said, "Why don't we use it?”  Of course, I thought! What better way to celebrate the tree than by re-purposing?  I think I caught Mike off guard as I slapped his shoulder with enthusiasm.  How many random logs have I stashed throughout my home over the years hoping to someday turn them into artful pieces of furniture?  This tree was special though.  It had a story and all parties were emotionally connected to it.  We were very fortunate to have the full support of the owners who gave us the go head to take the next step and do something!

The associates were very excited about the concept of saving the tree.  Clem proceeded to contact Doug Jewell, a fine furniture maker and craftsman we have known for years to see what steps would need to be taken.  Long story short, Doug very astutely determined where and how the tree should be cut and the tree was hauled off to the mill.  Doug recommended a family-owned full service mill that specializes in custom saw milling, recovering rare river lumber, and rescuing Florida hardwoods.  Their website is definitely worth checking out.  http://olegeneralstore.com/ Afterwards the mill owner, Bob Hughes, said he would not have made a single cut differently.  Well done Doug!
  

We have been brainstorming about various pieces of custom furniture, artwork, millwork, mantles, etc we could make from the Avatar tree.  The scale and figuring of the trunk lends itself to monolithic, sculptural pieces.

As ideas and projects for the tree develop I can't help but think how, in the age of the i Pad, people value craft/craftsmanship as much if not more than ever.  This is evident in the number of one-man furniture shops, selling a few select specialty pieces I saw at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair last year in New York.  With information and goods more accessible than ever, people are looking for something unique, something with an interesting story behind it.  So we will see where this story takes us!  Stay tuned and if you are interested in your own special piece please contact us. ~ Christine