Know your cedar from your oak, or the difference between cherry and walnut? Then you’re probably as wild about wood as we are. Here’s a roundup of innovative timber projects to get your xylophilic heart racing.

Archaeologists in Zambia recently unearthed the remains of a wooden structure that dates back 476 000 years. It proves that humans have been fashioning this marvellous material for yonks – unsurprising, considering its strength and availability. Wood is organic, recyclable and climate-smart, and has a comparatively short construction time – and with so many different types available, each with its own characteristics and uses, designers and makers are continually finding new ways to work with this versatile material.

BUILT TO LAST

Inspired by the existing trees on the property, as well as the work of international architects Horace Gifford, Kengo Kuma and Louis Kahn, Constantia Tree House by Malan Vorster Architecture Interior Design is a knockout. The client asked for “a cabin-like one-bedroom hideaway resembling a treehouse” – so naturally, wood was the building material of choice. While working on the project, the architects kept these words of Kengo Kuma in mind: “In using natural materials such as wood, I believe in creating architecture that brings us back to our senses, deepening our connection to the environment and evoking an emotional response.”

The Landing House is a simple yet beautiful modern wood pavilion located in the Mojave Desert in California. Created by Industry of All Nations, a research and design office committed to sustainable production, the house is designed with sustainability at its core, and blends into its desert backdrop. “We chose simple, low-maintenance materials – including concrete, cedar and glass – that will age naturally within the surrounding environment,” says Buenos Aires-born architect Fernando Gerscovich, who created the home with his brothers Juan Diego and Patricio.

Simone de Beauvoir School in Drancy, France is a lesson in simplicity, the importance of quality materials, and that a building can be both functional and beautiful. Designers Bond Society and Daudré-Vignier & Associés used locally sourced wood as one of the primary building materials because it’s biologically renewable and energy-efficient, specifically during installation. Completed in 2020, the elementary school includes 10 classrooms, a leisure centre and a restaurant.

A wooden high-rise isn’t something you hear about often, but PATCH22 in Amsterdam is just that. Completed in 2016 and designed by Frantzen et al Architecten, the project has won numerous awards for innovation. The tallest wooden apartment building in the Netherlands is not only clad in wood, but also has a 30-metre-tall wooden load-bearing structure. In the event of a fire, the outer layer of wood will burn and protect the structurally necessary wood from charring for up to two hours. frantzen.nl

With the popularity of small homes on the rise, a pre-designed modular timber abode has become an exciting option. Local company YourCube offers a range of smart, small timber-frame homes and studios, which come in four sizes and a variety of roof pitches. These durable wooden structures have a fast turnaround, and can be removed without leaving a huge imprint. As YourCube co-founder Jeanette Schachler puts it, “There’s a tangible connection to nature as you handle timber – its natural feel and distinct smell add an authentic touch to every project. In an era where sustainability matters, timber emerges not just as a building material but as a conscious, ecofriendly statement.”

PART OF THE FURNITURE

Mention wooden furniture design in South Africa, and many minds instantly turn to the award-winning team at Houtlander. Inspired by timeless furniture and innovation, owners Phillip Hollander and Stephen Wilson merge modern technology with age-old craft techniques to create collectable, contemporary classics. Nowhere is this more obvious than in their jaw- dropping Preservation bench, which represents the journey of a sapling reaching upwards from the forest floor. “We know that sustainably sourced and processed timber is one of the best manufacturing materials,” Phillip says. “The timber is carbon-negative when it arrives at our door. We use American oak because we understand the importance of good governance around the process of harvesting hardwood in a sustainable manner, and the industry in the US is highly regulated.”

Disrupt.Design Lab is pushing boundaries by creating a circular design solution to combat the millions of tons of wood wasted every year. Called WoodenWood, the project takes raw wood and sawdust, and uses robotic printing methods to create a new “wood textile” that resembles rattan in texture.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Established in 2020, Margo Makes is a Cape Town-based company owned by woodworker and woodturner Margo Ackeer, who deftly crafts products such as serving boards, bowls, children’s toys, vases and candlesticks out of wood. After studying interior and industrial design, Margo realised that wood was her passion. “I love wood because of its willingness and ability to bend, break and snap – and the way it allows us to just bring it back together,” she explains. “The feeling you get at the end, once you have moulded and oiled it, is unbeatable.”

Husband and wife Andre and Diana James are the duo behind Dor+Kie. With a background in industrial and jewellery design, they share a passion for using conventional materials in surprising ways. Their focus is on wood, from which they create unique sculptural pieces of jewellery and small homeware objects. They also, notably, use traditional Japanese handsaws in an untraditional way. “It’s the only tool that works really well when it comes to creating the perfect cut and angle of each facet we make, but it’s really not the ‘correct’ way of using these beautiful saws,” says Diana. “We try to keep the tradition of hand- carving wood alive by creating objects that have a modern aesthetic.”

REQUIRED READING

Taschen’s 100 Contemporary Wood Buildings, written by Philip Jodidio, explores the diverse ways in which architects around the world have used wood to create things in the 21st century. Focusing on everything from smaller homes to larger buildings and ambitious urban-renewal schemes, it includes the designs of emerging talent and iconic architects, exploring and honouring their vision and innovation.

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Smart design by architect Pedro Henrique puts a contemporary spin on the historical “Palheiro”, a traditional Portuguese fisherman home.

Set in the northern coastal town of Esmoriz, the dwellings were first developed in the early 19th century to provide seaside housing for inhabitants working at sea.

Pedro pays homage to the vernacular architecture of the original designs in his reinterpretation of these houses that have scattered the shoreline for centuries. Using concrete as the core of the home, the traditional use of wood is brought into the design by using timber slats that cover the building facades. Marrying form and function, the slats also create a lightweight screening, creating shade and enhancing privacy for residents. At night, the slats create a glowing effect emitting from inside the house, radiating light outwards through the vertical gaps.

A raised ramp is reminiscent of the coastal boardwalks that snake around the perimeter of the beaches, paying both homage to the local architecture and repeats in the design of terraces around the home. This also gives an indoor/outdoor flow, separated by sliding glass doors and wooden slatted shutters.

The key feature of the interiors would be the sculptural staircase, a statement build which functions both as a means to get upstairs while creating more space and unity with the downstairs of the home, dividing the open plan bottom floor with a visually striking piece that serves a functional purpose.

Downstairs houses the communal and social areas – designed specifically for interaction and entertaining, with expansive views of the surrounding environment as a backdrop. The master bedroom, a compact kitchen and washroom also reside downstairs, with the lounge and another bedroom built upstairs.

The garden features indigenous plants, reeds and grasses, which can withstand the sandy soil and work in conjunction with the overall aesthetic of the seaside home.

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The centrepiece of SANA MANE, a glampsite set where sand meets sea near the small inlet of Naoshima, Japan, is SAZAE by Kengo Kuma & Associates; an organic wooden sauna with impressive wooden masonry.

150 layers of CNC-processed, 28mm-thick plywood are stacked to form a solid wood monolith that offers visitors a meditative cocoon. The design and plywood panelling – a complex structure of 1500 plywood sheets – form a spiral pleated geometry controlled by 3D CAD and programming.

Inside, the pleats feature gentle curvatures that conform to the human body and only the oculus allows a soothing wash of soft light. Outside, an undulation of shell-like folds speaks to the oceanic surrounds and casts a shadow that plays throughout the day.

Unlike a general sauna, and despite the high ceiling, the temperature and humidity are kept at an optimum level by an average wall thickness of 450mm, the use of environmental simulations and forced ventilation airflow.

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Designed by Soderstrom Architects and Ferar Studio, this South African Beck Family Estate Winery is the first of its kind outside of South Africa.

The concept behind the building design was to integrate the shape of the winery with the surrounding terrain. Curved living roofs mimic the undulating hills of the American Yamhill-Carlton region. Other main attractions to the space include a bespoke barrel cellar, a statement underground wine library, a fully operational production cellar and mobile bottling facility.

READ MORE: Grape Expectations: New Custom-Built Wine Cellar at Habibi Farm

The brief from owners to architects was to respect the existing integrity and character of the site. This meant tucking buildings into the hills, paring back flashy and extravagant embellishments and incorporating natural and organic materials that mirror the terrior of the terrain.

Using natural light as much as possible was a key factor and design feature for the build. Airfoil panels with narrow windows, glazing, and a striking oculus are used to draw natural light down into the belly of the building.

READ MORE: The Story of Wine at Babylonstoren

Keeping the space devoid of clutter was a main aim – albeit tricky in a fully functioning winery. Smartly hidden pipes and cables create an overall sense of minimalism and cleanliness, while deep in the cellar, a cool quiet space for the barrels to age was imperative.

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

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How do you celebrate the joy of making without using unsustainable raw materials? We’re looking to wood – and ANNEMARIE MEINTJES rounded up some of her favourite designs.

PLEASE BE SEATED

London designer Paul Cocksedge, whose original solutions to public-space dilemmas never fail to surprise, invites the public to sit on undulating, concentric benches made from upcycled scaffolding planks with this installation. “Please Be Seated” is made of three rings of benches that rise and fall in a wave-like pattern; where the waves meet the ground, they form benches that rise up to create backrests. The widest circle 15.2m, and the tallest element of the piece is 3.4m.

BLEU NATURE

French furniture company Bleu Nature, founded by designer Frank Lefebvre, produces pieces that use driftwood and other objects found by scouring beaches and forests near Lille in France as their primary materials. These are combined with manmade materials to create harmonious juxtapositions. The Outline collection – in which the free, natural shape of driftwood is reinterpreted – is both organic and industrial, with raw wood and black steel combining to create fluid lines.

BLEU NATURE’S DRIFT WOOD DISPLAY

Taking the driftwood concept to ever greater heights, Bleu Nature used it as a primary material when constructing this hut-like space in their showroom. It was used as a display area during one of the company’s sales weekends. The stools, upholstered in natural leather and suede, are part of Bleu Nature’s furniture range. We just love the gold finish.

THE PALLET THIEF

Anton Brunberg, a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven, calculated that there are currently about six-billion pallets in circulation worldwide, most of them made from wood. Each year, one percent of these pallets reach the end of their lifespan or are lost. Tapping into this global supply, Brunberg says, provides him with all the materials he needs to carry on doing what he loves with a clean conscience – and the result is pieces such as this monumental chair.

Looking for ways to incorporate this material into your own space? Here are 11 wooden buys handpicked by VISI to get you started.

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LIM owner and designer Pauline Mutlow has no regrets about taking a chance and changing her career path at 39. LIM’s doors opened in 1997 – and, 24 years later, the brand still operates from the same location.

2014: ADINKRA MARRIAGE CABINET

In celebration of my 40th wedding anniversary, I designed a small range that incorporated the West African Adinkra marriage symbol as an engraved pattern on the doors. The units were manufactured in walnut, which represents a mature yet contemporary material to me. It also celebrates the concept of commitment and longevity.

2019: POPPY LAMPS

Inspired by the seasonal poppies sold by flower sellers at the side of the road, the Straight and Curved Poppy lamps combine to mimic the form of a bunch of flowers. These joyful lights are manufactured from steel tubing and black-coated epoxy. I feel happy every time I see them.

2019: CHEVRON DESIGN SERVER

With its geometric design, this server was originally created for a client’s dining room. Its minimalist nature doesn’t stop it from drawing the eye, particularly to the pattern on the doors. This four-door version is available to order in a variety of spray colours – we offer the option of customising it in-store and on our website.

STORAGE TOWEL RAIL

A customer wanted a towel rail with a storage facility included – that was the inspiration behind this piece. Square steel tubing and a flat tray top are joined by black-coated epoxy to produce a piece that pleases, both in function and in form. It’s always satisfying to design something that’s practical and fulfils a client’s needs.

2021: SHORT BENDIE LAMP

This lamp is another product inspired by meeting a customer’s needs. The client wanted a bedside lamp for reading that wasn’t imported, so we created this piece, which offers a great angle and affords the necessary light. It’s a quintessential LIM piece, honouring the sentiment that “less is more”.

For more information, visit lim.co.za.

Looking for more on South African design? Take a look at Egg Designs journey over the last 24 years.

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You can use it to add either warmth and homeliness or a slick, contemporary element to your interiors. Either way, versatile natural wood is one of our all-time favourite materials.

Durable and versatile, a touch of wood brings balance to any space regardless of design style.

Sori Yanagi Butterly Stool by Vitra

R14045 | cremadesign.co.za | vitra.com

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Dots hanging hooks by Muuto

R2957 for 5 | cremadesign.co.za | muuto.com

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Beechwood dish rack

R495 | weylandts.co.za

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Woodrow bin

From R595 | weylandts.co.za

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Lazy Susan by Laid Back Company

R1399 | yuppiechef.com

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Totem sculptures

R2100 each | studio19.co

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Eames elephant by Vitra

POA | cubegallery.co.za | vitra.com

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Oak salad servers by Eva Solo

R469 per set | yuppiechef.com

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Wooden knife magnet

R1020 | knus.co

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The Wrap Mini pendant light

R699 | knus.co

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PROFURN Omni Functional Bowls

R1000 | profurn.co

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Looking for more? Check out these 10 rattan-style buys.

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With major wanderlust having been sparked by lockdowns, nature is calling, and Moriko’s cabins might just be the answer.

As is the case with a lot of good design, Moriko came about to meet a need for something missing in the market. Founder Jenna Smily, whose background working in members clubs and hotels in London ignited her passion for hospitality and design, started Moriko to fill a gap. 

A lover of nature-oriented getaways, she found the options really limited. ‘The accommodation tends to be either affordable and rustic or luxurious but expensive. I wanted to create an option that fell in between – accessible but still design forward, with a modern minimalist design,’ she says

With the dual goal of encouraging people to get into nature and explore the country as well as helping landowners enter the tourism market by offering Moriko cabin experiences, Smily’s cabins perfectly capture the zeitgeist of the times.  

Ranging from the Seedling A-frame (at nine square metres) to the Salix one bedroom (21 square metres with an en-suite bathroom, lounge, kitchen and sliding glass doors), the range suits a range of needs and price points. There’s also a sauna (the Serene) which fits up to 6 people and can be used off the grid with a wood fire stove. 

To make things even easier, they’re  pre-manufactured and delivered as a flat-pack kit or as finished modules. Fast and easy to install, they generate almost no waste on site and have low environmental impact.

Looking for more architectural inspiration or modern cabins? Take a look at the The Kogelberg Cabins.

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Introducing the latest edition to Lemon – the Sutton Table. It’s hard-working, flexible design in its finest form.

Designed by Lemon’s co-founder and head of design, Kevin Frankental, the Sutton Table is a beautifully simplistic addition to a space that swings between work and play. With its clean lines and considered design, the surface pays homage to the beauty of either Oak or Walnut in four tabletop finishes: White Oak, Blackened Oak, Charcoal Oak and Walnut.

 

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“What makes the Sutton special, aside from its pleasing proportions, is the beauty of the surface. The table had to be as simple as possible so that you can really appreciate the timber,” says Kevin. “For the last few years, every product we have designed is not limited to use in just one space. So, each is commercial grade in terms of durability but aesthetically work beautifully in a home or office. And with so many offices starting to look like lived-in and beautiful homes, it makes sense to create pieces without restrictions.”

For more on the Sutton Table and Lemon’s range, visit their website or connect with them on Instagram.

Love this? Check out the Ashby Table by Lemon Design Studio.

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Oggie’s new showroom in Parkhurst forms a supremely good-looking backdrop against which to admire the brand’s lustworthy product line.

Parkhurst’s 6th Street has become a bit of a haven for design in Johannesburg, and the arrival of the spectacular new showroom for Oggie has taken the suburb’s design status to a new level. Created by Carl Jacobsz of architects C76, and with interiors by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HK Studio, the sprawling structure of wood, glass and abundant vegetation is the perfect setting for Oggie’s marvellous wooden flooring options.

The building, which faces 6th Street, rises up from the street in a series of brick and glass boxes that are framed in a connected façade of shoji screen-like wooden apertures, shielding yet also ever so elegantly revealing what might be going on inside the interior spaces. Inside it is a glorious expression of light, and Parkhurst’s abundance of trees and other greenery creates the sense that the building has become part of the suburban canopy itself. Wall cladding, flooring and ceilings all made from Oggie products add another layer of natural texture, connecting you back to the landscapes outside the windows.

“We wanted a space and building that reiterated what Oggie flooring’s products stand for, so we focused on nature, light, simplicity and warmth,” Carl explains. “The brief was simple: originally, Oggie wanted a showroom space on the ground floor with rentable office space for like-minded people on the first floor. But as we moved along, it became clear they needed the entire showroom for Oggie products. After that, they pretty much left it up to us to do our thing, and design a building that complements the Oggie brand. The company believes in the professionals they appoint, and trusts in them, which is a wonderful philosophy to hear from a client when starting any built project.”

The interiors continue to explore the material qualities of natural products, while also complementing the organic textures with metallic accents that bring the space squarely on trend, giving it a fresh feel. “We were lucky to have a beautiful, interesting base to work off from the architects,” says Megan. “We were also lucky to be able work with the incredible product that is Oggie, and apply it to floors, ceilings, walls and furniture, which instantly imbued the space with warmth and sophistication. We focused on detailing throughout, as well as on the use of materials that are authentic in principle, such as marble, stone, brass, steel and, of course, timber.”

The space offers a rare opportunity to experience the full product offering from one of VISI’s favourite local brands. Oggie’s new home is the perfect place to explore ideas for your own home or office, and immerse yourself in a building and decor approach that pushes the boundaries of how we connect with traditional showroom spaces.

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