In a world where sustainability has become a common buzzword, Portugal-born, Barcelona-based designer Rosana Sousa transcends mere lip service with her intentionally crafted approach to furniture design. Her latest collection, made from repurposed solid walnut and oak, beautifully exemplifies how tradition and modernity can intertwine to create functional art that is both eco-conscious and visually stunning. Comprising a chair, counter stool, side table, coffee table, and vase, the collection highlights responsible practices in the furniture industry. By emphasizing material reuse, Sousa aims to reduce waste and promote a more environmentally mindful design philosophy.
Arquivo Counter Stool
Trama Coffee Table and Side Table
Locally sourced from excess materials at a furniture factory in Porto, Sousa’s collection breathes new life into wood that would have otherwise gone to waste. Each piece serves as a testament to the power of transformation, showcasing handcrafted striped panels that reveal the unique character of reclaimed timber, including variations in color tone, wood grain, and the presence of medullary rays or knots. Gentle curves and bouclé upholstery add a soft balance to the rectilinear lines of the designs, resulting in pieces that artfully combine hard and soft elements for a harmonious blend of aesthetics and utility.
Cava Vase
Vaga Chair
Driven by a passion for Portugal’s rich woodworking heritage, Sousa employs a thoughtful mix of traditional techniques and modern manufacturing methods. The assembly process mirrors the care evident in the final product: a variety of wood offcuts are meticulously cut, adhered together, and transformed into volumetric structures. This method not only maximizes material use but also celebrates a distinctive patchwork aesthetic.
Trama Coffee Table
Trama Side Table
Sousa’s collection is a tribute to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the rich traditions of Portuguese design. Each item is available in two material combinations of solid walnut and oak, expertly crafted to add warmth, texture, and durability to contemporary living spaces. By transforming surplus materials into exquisite pieces that tell a story, Sousa invites us to invest in not just beautiful objects, but also a more sustainable future.
Cava Vase
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Trama Coffee Table
Trama Coffee Table
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chair
Vaga Chairs, Cava Vases, Trama Coffee Table, and Side Table
To learn more about Rosana Sousa’s collection, visit rosanasousa.com.
Photography by Inês Silva.
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