The Brazilian woodworkers reaching a higher plane

Fernando Mendes de Almeida, one half of Mendes-Hirth, in his studio in Rio de Janeiro
Fernando Mendes de Almeida, one half of Mendes-Hirth, in his studio in Rio de Janeiro
(Image credit: Fernando Mendes)
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A new band of Brazilian designers are reviving the traditional woodworking skills that made the country synonymous with high quality craftsmanship in the first half of the last century. In an age of mass production, this growing generation is working by hand, with skills learned carefully over years of diligent practice. In our October issue, we profiled some of the most exciting names in the industry. Here, we take a look inside their studios and see more of their work.

One designer leading the way is Rio-based Rodrigo Calixto, who founded his atelier Oficina Ethos five years ago. Calixto enjoys a growing reputation for his meticulously handcrafted tables, sideboards and stools, and is gaining an online following for a series of videos that demonstrate his craftsmanship. Watch the making of his wooden mosaic and 'Lotus' stools.

The ’Jake’ stool

The ’Jake’ stool by Mendes-Hirth

(Image credit: Mendes-Hirth)

The ’Mariante’ chair

The ’Mariante’ chair by Rio design house Mendes-Hirth

(Image credit: Mendes-Hirth)

The ’Mäder’ chair

The ’Mäder’ chair by Mendes-Hirth

(Image credit: Mendes-Hirth)

The ’Santos=Dumont’ chair

The ’Santos=Dumont’ chair by Mendes-Hirth

(Image credit: Mendes-Hirth)

The Mendes-Hirth seal

The Mendes-Hirth seal

(Image credit: Mendes-Hirth)

Ricardo Graham Ferreira with his ’Trovador’ design

Ricardo Graham Ferreira with his ’Trovador’ design

(Image credit: Ricardo Graham Ferreira)

Table and cabinet

Table and cabinet by Ricardo Graham Ferreira

(Image credit: Ricardo Graham Ferreira)

Table design

Table design by Ricardo Graham Ferreira

(Image credit: Ricardo Graham Ferreira)

Furniture

Furniture by Ricardo Graham Ferreira

(Image credit: Ricardo Graham Ferreira)

Plant stand

Plant stand by Rodrigo Calixto, 2007

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

‘Lotus’ stools

‘Lotus’ stools by Rodrigo Calixto, 2009

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

The ’Ethos’ coffee table

The ’Ethos’ coffee table by Rodrigo Calixto, 2003

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

The ’Ethos’ features designs from illustrator Mateu Velasco

The ’Ethos’ features designs from illustrator Mateu Velasco, 2003

(Image credit: Mateu Velasco)

The ’Mesa de centro ethos’ design with sliding drafts-board

The ’Mesa de centro ethos’ design with sliding drafts-board by Rodrigo Calixto, 2003

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

The draft pieces are housed in cylinders underneath the table

The draft pieces are housed in cylinders underneath the table, by Rodrigo Calixto

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

’Painel Freqûencia’

’Painel Freqûencia’ by Rodrigo Calixto, 2007

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

Detailing of ’Painel Freqûencia’

Detailing of ’Painel Freqûencia’ by Rodrigo Calixto

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

’Painel Xilopixel’ wooden mosaic artwork

’Painel Xilopixel’ wooden mosaic artwork by Rodrigo Calixto, 2008

(Image credit: Rodrigo Calixto)

The join on the ’Straight’ table

The join on the ’Straight’ table design by Julia Krantz shows the contrast in wood shades

(Image credit: Julia Krantz)

Design by Julia Krantz

Design by Julia Krantz

(Image credit: Julia Krantz)

Stool

Stool design by Julia Krantz

(Image credit: Julia Krantz)

The ’Straight’ table

The ’Straight’ table by Julia Krantz is made from Cumaru and Sucupira wood

(Image credit: Julia Krantz)

Lattoog designer Leonardo Lattavo with the ’Pantosh’ chair

Lattoog designer Leonardo Lattavo with the ’Pantosh’ chair

(Image credit: Leonardo Lattavo)

The ’Pantosh’ chair is part of the ’Fusion’ series

The ’Pantosh’ chair is part of the ’Fusion’ series

(Image credit: Leonardo Lattavo)

The ’Pantosh’ chair

The ’Pantosh’ chair is inspired by the work of Verner Panton and Charles Rennie Mackintosh

(Image credit: Verner Panton and Charles Rennie Mackintosh)
Henrietta Thompson

Henrietta Thompson is a London-based writer, curator, and consultant specialising in design, art and interiors. A longstanding contributor and editor at Wallpaper*, she has spent over 20 years exploring the transformative power of creativity and design on the way we live. She is the author of several books including The Art of Timeless Spaces, and has worked with some of the world’s leading luxury brands, as well as curating major cultural initiatives and design showcases around the world.

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