What do you get when you cross an exciting new European-Caribbean brand, a young Berlin-based designer and an environmentally conscious community of Honduran foresters and artisans? This: a collection of timeless, considered designs, sustainably produced and made of beautiful, ethically harvested hardwood.
Let me introduce you to FORESTA, an emerging brand committed to keeping traditional methods of forestry and craft alive today. Founded by Madrid-based Patricia Peinador and Honduras-born José Angel Saavedra, FORESTA works with sustainably managed plantations on the small Caribbean island to ensure a fair wage goes back to the makers of its furniture. The name itself comes from the word ‘afforest’, meaning the act of creating a new forest in deforested land. FORESTA takes a conscious, considered approach, priding themselves on their organically grown materials and slow craft.
FORESTA have been working with talented designer Rebecca Goddard (you might remember I featured her soothing, soft beige home not so long ago) to create their first collection, showcased at Copenhagen’s design festival 3 Days of Design in September. Sadly I couldn’t make it this year, but these stunning images rightfully deserved their own place here on the blog. The effortless setting has got me dreaming of warm summer days and simple moments.
The launch collection comprises six considered designs, from wooden benches and tables to accessories including a candlestick and tray. They’re all made from teak or mahogany. The simple forms were inspired by the aesthetics of minimalism and Northern European design, creating a series of honest pieces that can fit seamlessly into almost any style home.
I love how the clean lines and smooth shapes help bring out the natural grain of the wood. The Tez lounge table (pictured above) and the Copán side table have a beautiful tactility to them, while the Aldea tray (below) warms up a neutral tablescape. The curve of the Arco candleholder plays with balance and the Tallo Wardrobe reduces a hanging rail down to a simple, expressive line.
By working directly with plantations in Honduras, FORESTA allows foresters to sell to buyers at a fair price and in quantities that aren’t produced in a way that damages the land. The process is intentionally slow, to respect the pace of the craftspeople and their wellbeing.
‘We’ve recognised a need to change the way we access the materials we use everyday, natural materials like tropical hardwoods. All-to-often, these materials are cultivated and harvested in ways that are damaging to the environment, and extremely exploitive of the communities from where they are sourced. Our mission is to change this,’ says FORESTA.
The six considered designs are available to buy from FORESTA’s website, with prices starting from 79 euros and worldwide shipping. Have a look here.
