WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
Exploring alternative manufacturing methods and the versatility of American red oak, Future Heirlooms 2024 presents new pieces by five South African design studios.
In 2022 Always Welcome and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) joined forces to release Future Heirlooms – a first-of-its-kind sustainable collection created by seven South African designers.
Five South African cross-disciplinary design studios have been invited to craft a piece for the second iteration of this exciting project. The designers have been tasked with creating pieces that not only look forward to the future of sustainable design but also explore South Africa’s rich design legacy.
Using American red oak supplied by wholesale timber specialists BOS Timber, the theme invites the designers to conceive a piece that lasts for generations to come and is of a quality that makes it worth keeping, and of collectable value. The spirit of the challenge is to celebrate individuality, expressionism, quirkiness, and beauty in the design of the limited edition collectable piece.
“Building on the success of the launch edition of Future Heirlooms our 2024 challenge will offer our select African cross-disciplinary designers a unique opportunity to design a piece that explores alternative manufacturing methods, and the beauty and versatility of American red oak itself,” says Roderick Wiles, AHEC Regional Director.
The line-up of notable talent hand-picked to participate in Future Heirlooms 2024 includes:
MOEA Design Studio
Established in 2021 by Cassandra Twala and Johanna von Stein, MOEA set out to create a hybrid studio that not only works on commissioned work for clients but also creates its own platforms that elevate African creativity.
Juliet M Kavishe
Through her work interior architect and design educator Juliet M Kavishe explores African identity, heritage, and the integration of ancestral ways of communication, rooted in diverse cultural expressions.
André Eksteen
André Eksteen is a multi-award-winning architect and academic and co-director of Earthworld Architects who aims to push the boundaries of creativity while also maintaining a strong focus on sustainability.
Isa-MBU-LA
Duo costume designer and Creative Director Bandile Mbuli and architect Ndabo Langa‘s collaboration – Isa-MBU-LA- is focused on creating a resilient and sustainable design by tapping into local ecosystems with high consideration for traditional practices and innovation.
Nkuli Nhleko
Nkuli Nhleko is an Art Curator at Everard Read Gallery and the co-founder of Imbewu Design, an Interior Design Studio. She specialises in crafting visually striking spaces that offer experiential and conceptually rich environments.
The finished pieces will first be seen as part of Sustainable Design Week Africa at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town from 9-14 September 2024. VISI is the proud media partner for Sustainable Design Week Africa.
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