Turning (Camphor)
Turning (Camphor) reimagines Camphor Laurel - an invasive weed in Australia - as a material of worth. While celebrated in parts of East Asia, in Australia, it is often associated with ecological damage and is routinely poisoned or burned. This collection - comprising bed frames, side tables, lamps, and candle holders - is crafted from felled timber in the Northern Rivers region. Through woodturning, a process echoing themes of change and renewal, Camphor’s unpredictable grain is embraced rather than corrected, challenging ideas of uniformity that have long excluded it from the market.
Charred elements nod to Camphor’s fate, yet subvert it - turning destruction into detail. Accompanied by a short film, the project explores Camphor’s complex environmental role and advocates for more thoughtful approaches to invasive species. Turning (Camphor) gives form to this shift, revealing the hidden elegance of a misunderstood material and positioning it as a viable, sustainable timber for contemporary design.
Turning (Camphor) is an outcome of the NSW Design (Early-Career) Fellowship at Powerhouse Ultimo, made possible through a partnership between Create NSW and Powerhouse Museum.
Produced in Sydney, Australia. Designed by Marlo Lyda, 2025
Turning Bed
Each Turning Bed is meticulously crafted from Camphor Laurel Timber sourced from forest rehabilitation efforts in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. Through a process of woodturning, a distinctive patination emerges, further enhanced by charring the wood to blacken it and applying lacquer to seal it, thereby highlighting the unique beauty of the wood.
Handcrafted in Sydney by artisans Simon Beggs, Jack Stannard, and designer Marlo Lyda, the Turning Bed is a honed work of art, a testament to craftsmanship and local collaboration.
Australian Standard Queen
1650W x 2120D x 970H mm
Each Turning Bed is meticulously crafted from Camphor Laurel Timber sourced from forest rehabilitation efforts in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. Through a process of woodturning, a distinctive patination emerges, further enhanced by charring the wood to blacken it and applying lacquer to seal it, thereby highlighting the unique beauty of the wood.
Handcrafted in Sydney by artisans Simon Beggs, Jack Stannard, and designer Marlo Lyda, the Turning Bed is a honed work of art, a testament to craftsmanship and local collaboration.
King and Queen
Made to Order
Lead time 8-12 weeks (or enquire for stock availability).
Trade pricing & specifications are available on request.
King and Day Bed variations are also available, via custom order.
Bedding styled in collaboration with Cultiver.
Turning Lamps
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural imperfection of reclaimed materials, each Turning (Camphor) Table or Floor Lamp is the result of designer, Marlo Lyda’s intuitive stacking of uniquely striped modules. Sourced from timber mills in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW or repurposed remnants from other pieces in the 'Turning' Collection, each module is designed to accommodate a variety of sized off-cuts, resulting in a slight variation in height or surface pattination.
Turning (Camphor) Lamps offer two shade options: a Camphor Laurel veneer shade, showcasing mismatched veneer sections crafted by a Tasmanian artisan, or a textile shade made from wild-harvested Tussar Silks, hand-loomed in India and expertly upholstered in Sydney. Additionally, the stems of the Turning Lamps can be sold stand-alone, featuring a European standard fitting and no shade. Adding a touch of character, each Turning Table Lamp also features a custom radial dimmer switch cast in bronze from a section of Camphor charcoal.
Textile Shade 35.5W x 20H cm
Veneer Shade 32W x 18H cm
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural imperfection of reclaimed materials, each Turning (Camphor) Table or Floor Lamp is the result of designer, Marlo Lyda’s intuitive stacking of uniquely striped modules. Sourced from timber mills in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW or repurposed remnants from other pieces in the 'Turning' Collection, each module is designed to accommodate a variety of sized off-cuts, resulting in a slight variation in height or surface pattination.
Turning (Camphor) Lamps offer two shade options: a Camphor Laurel veneer shade, showcasing mismatched veneer sections crafted by a Tasmanian artisan, or a textile shade made from wild-harvested Tussar Silks, hand-loomed in India and expertly upholstered in Sydney. Additionally, the stems of the Turning Lamps can be sold stand-alone, featuring a European standard fitting and no shade. Adding a touch of character, each Turning Table Lamp also features a custom radial dimmer switch cast in bronze from a section of Camphor charcoal.
Made to order (limited stock available now due to collection launch).
Lead time 8-12 weeks.
Trade pricing & specifications are available on request.
E27 / 240V / Vintage LED Included.
Custom radial dimmer switch cast in bronze.
500W x 1600-1700 H mm
E27 / 240V / Vintage LED Included.
Blonde / Black / Mixed Tone*
* The Turning (Camphor) Floor Lamp stems exhibit variations, ranging from predominantly blonde or dark to a more or less mixed tone. Should you have a preference for the tone of your lamp, please feel free to make a request.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural imperfection of reclaimed materials, each Turning (Camphor) Table or Floor Lamp is the result of designer, Marlo Lyda’s intuitive stacking of uniquely striped modules. Sourced from timber mills in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW or repurposed remnants from other pieces in the 'Turning' Collection, each module is designed to accommodate a variety of sized off-cuts, resulting in a slight variation in height or surface pattination.
Turning (Camphor) Lamps offer two shade options: a Camphor Laurel veneer shade, showcasing mismatched veneer sections crafted by a Tasmanian artisan, or a textile shade made from wild-harvested Tussar Silks, hand-loomed in India and expertly upholstered in Sydney. Additionally, the stems of the Turning Lamps can be sold stand-alone, featuring a European standard fitting and no shade. Adding a touch of character, each Turning Table Lamp also features a custom radial dimmer switch cast in bronze from a section of Camphor charcoal.
Vaneer Shade 500x280H mm
Textile Shade 502x280H mm
Stem 1500-1700H mm
Turning Side Tables
In Sydney, Camphor Laurel trees can be removed without council approval due to their status as a weed, and are normally mulched on site. Turning (Camphor) Side Tables are crafted from whole logs of Camphor Laurel, sourced from urban sites with the assistance of local arborists and landowners.
The Turning Side Tables are turned and striped patination is applied while the logs are still 'green', meaning they haven't been kiln or naturally dried after harvest. The drying process typically takes around 1 year per inch of material thickness, leading to gradual changes over time. While Camphor is known for its stability, these natural shifts may eventually cause cracks in the surface of the timber, adding to the table's unique character with age.
Available in a range of sizes and colour styles.
In Sydney, Camphor Laurel trees can be removed without council approval due to their status as a weed, and are normally mulched on site. Turning (Camphor) Side Tables are crafted from whole logs of Camphor Laurel, sourced from urban sites with the assistance of local arborists and landowners.
The Turning Side Tables are turned and striped patination is applied while the logs are still 'green', meaning they haven't been kiln or naturally dried after harvest. The drying process typically takes around 1 year per inch of material thickness, leading to gradual changes over time. While Camphor is known for its stability, these natural shifts may eventually cause cracks in the surface of the timber, adding to the table's unique character with age.
Dark / Blond / Mixed / Detailed *
* Turning Side Tables exhibit tone variations, ranging from predominantly blonde or dark to a mixed tone, as well as a detailed option. You can select any of these tones in any size.
Small
300-340W x 380Hmm
Medium
280-320 W x 460H mm
Large
280-300 W x 630H mm
Turning Candle Holders
Turning Candle holders are versatile pieces designed to accommodate both taper candles and column candles. Each holder features candle cups for easy removal and a connector that fits taper to column sections, allowing the candle units to be stacked. These holders are crafted to embrace the smallest Camphor Laurel offcuts, sourced either from the production of Turning or from mills in the Northern Rivers Region.
Available in a range of styles.
Turning Candle holders are versatile pieces designed to accommodate both taper candles and column candles. Each holder features candle cups for easy removal and a connector that fits taper to column sections, allowing the candle units to be stacked. These holders are crafted to embrace the smallest Camphor Laurel offcuts, sourced either from the production of Turning or from mills in the Northern Rivers Region.
