Best Woodcraft: Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021

Poltrona Frau

Inspired by the Japanese woodworking workshops he visited in the 1970s, the Italian architect and designer Gianfranco Frattini came up with the idea of the grid-like ‘Kyoto’ table. the wooden table is made of  boards that are connected with 45 degree joints forming a square pattern, while its slide-off counterpoise legs can be positioned as desired. Combining a brilliant idea with impeccable craftsmanship, the recently reissued 1974 design lets the raw materials – solid beechwood with Canaletto walnut wood inserts – do the talking.

Carl Hansen & Søn

Another recently reborn classic with woodcraft at its heart is Danish architect Børge Mogensen’s daybed. Initially launched at the 1958 Danish Carpenter’s Exhibition, and now reintroduced by Carl Hansen & Søn, it was designed for an imaginary country house as a response to hectic modern lifestyles. Featuring elegant spigot joints, its minimalist oak base is complemented by square cushions and a cylindrical headrest.

Cassina

Best known for his glass, steel and polypropylene creations, French designer Philippe Starck has been branching out lately, exploring the possibilities of wooden furniture. His ‘Fenc-e Nature’ armchair still features a die-cast aluminium base, but it is contrasted with a pair of solid teak armrests, and a backrest in natural untreated willow or hand-woven rope, which can be set in two different positions thanks to a solid teak rod, processed to look like a branch and held in place by two wooden nails.

More from Wallpaper* Design Awards 2021

Flexform

Completing our quartet of wonderful wooden furniture designs is the ‘Ansel’ outdoor sofa by Antonio Citterio. It combines a metal base (finished in an elegant array of epoxy powder-coat colours) with wooden details. Here, the armrests and backrest are made of large iroko wood slats, with a natural finish or stained grey.