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.
poltronafrau.com
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.
carlhansen.com
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.
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.