Toyota has embraced traditional Japanese carpentry in its new prototype – the Setsuna – which will be debuting at Milan Design Week from next Monday.

Japanese cedar and birch were among the woods used in this unique vehicle, which was put together using joints that do not require nails, screws or glue.

The Japanese car giant designed the Setsuna as a sort of family heirloom – a vehicle that will be cherished over the years and be passed on to later generations.

The car is also a statement about the throwaway nature of much high tech wizardry – which continually gets outdated – whether as regards cars, computers or smartphones.

The wooden surface of the Setsuna, says Toyota, will change over time, depending on temperature, weather and general standard of upkeep.

Toyota said in statement: "As Setsuna is passed from generation to generation, the physical changes in its wooden bodywork reflect the bond it has built with its owners and their shared experiences."

Toyota's project engineer, Kenji Tsuji, said, "When we created Setsuna, we envisaged a family pouring its love into it over generations so that the car gains an irreplaceable value."

The decidedly 'anti-tech' open top two seater has been designed as a breath of fresh air, as car makers are building increasingly tech-laden vehicles.

However, don’t expect to see many of these on the road in the future. While Toyota is keen to stress the car is fully functional, it is not road legal.

And while the concept appears highly unique, it has been noted that Lexus – a Toyota brand – did build a replica of its IS saloon out of cardboard last year.