Getting benched gets a happier connotation here. The Castor Bench from Japanese heritage brand Karimoku New Standard shares the characteristic details of the series, adapted for a handsome versatility. Inspired by a traditional Nipponese "endai" (a 4-legged wooden outdoor bench), the surface appears to be made of individual laths, but in fact is a solid board made of multiple strips of Japanese oak. Relying on time-honored techniques, this achieves a large surface with great strength. Attractive on its own anywhere extra seating is needed, it can also be combined to extend the companion unit, Castor Shelf. By Swiss design firm Big-Game, a prime collaborator in Karimoku's newly-minted quest to engage exciting new international talent as well as to promote responsible craftsmanship with efforts to preserve and revitalize Japanese hardwood forests at home.