When designers look for inspiration in the past, the results often surprise and inspire. But the 2W (Wooden & Woolen) Chair goes further than that by adding a heft dose of creativity, ingenuity and versatility to a stunning design. It’s inspired by the ancient art of basketry, a craft found in numerous cultures around the world. Traditionally, the artisans used natural materials available in their environment. In Galicia, on Spain’s Atlantic coast, baskets featured both wooden and vegetable fibers which provided strength and durability for workers toiling away in fields or at sea. 2W reinterprets that tradition in a modern way, combining elegant design and the warmth of nature in one.
Xulio Turnes, co-founder of the Domohomo architecture and design studio made this functional product in a collaboration with Idoia Cuesta. Meant to fulfill various purposes, the structure allows for numerous applications. It can become a chair, a swing, a cradle, or even a bench. Manufactured from chestnut wood, this chair features Merino wool, woven to resemble wicker baskets. The warmth of the natural materials and the contrast between the two textures creates a distinctive aesthetic. The product is also easy to customize by replacing the wool with leather or locally sourced esparto grass. Much like its ancient predecessors, 2W becomes a product of its place and time, transforming to suit a wide range of purposes and needs. Images courtesy of Domohomo.
