As awareness of juniper grows, projects that use it are getting more and more interesting. Designers are expanding far beyond raised garden beds, using juniper in new ways with eye-catching and bar-raising results.

Recently we've seen juniper used for a number of Street Seats around Portland. Street Seats are miniature outdoor parks that transform street-side parking spaces into design-savvy seating for pedestrians and diners. Juniper is an excellent choice for these projects due to its outdoor durability and its connection to place

We love the installation at Bonfire in Southeast Portland, designed by Propel Studio and ADX, where black stain was used to mimic a shou sugi ban look. Here, the rustic nature of rough juniper landscaping timbers was not only embraced, but emphasized.

Across the river, juniper was used for a Street Seat at PSU. This Street Seat was designed and built by PSU architecture students and uses surfaced juniper for a very modern look.