A step towards concious production
Material Selection
The pivotal question we faced was selecting the ideal wood for recreating these iconic pieces. Historically, most original designs were crafted from teak—a choice driven by its local abundance and affordability at the time. Today, however, those conditions no longer hold true. Indian Teak has become scarce and prohibitively expensive, making it an unsustainable option in contemporary contexts. As a studio deeply committed to sustainable practices, this decision carried immense weight. Our vision was to create furniture that would not only endure a lifetime but also be cherished as heirlooms for generations. This commitment demanded a thoughtful approach, aligning quality, durability, and environmental responsibility.
Extensive research led us to Indian Rosewood or Sheesham (Dalbergia Sissoo), a hardwood that grows abundantly in regions across Punjab and Haryana. Aged Sheesham, with its exceptional strength and resilience, surpasses even teak in durability. By embracing this locally-sourced, robust material, we’ve ensured that each piece embodies timeless craftsmanship while honouring our dedication to sustainability.
01: Wood
Sourcing:
1st Source: During British rule in the early 1900s, canal systems were introduced in Punjab to revolutionize irrigation. To strengthen the canal banks and prevent soil erosion, a significant number of Indian Rosewood (Sheesham) trees were planted. These venerable trees, now over a century old, are periodically auctioned by the government, providing us with a sustainable and historical resource.
2nd Source: Sheesham has long held a cherished place among the farming communities of Punjab and Haryana, with nearly every landholder planting this versatile wood. Its prominence earned Sheesham the title of State Tree of Punjab. Through a carefully cultivated network of small sawmill owners across Punjab, we are alerted when a tree of interest becomes available. Upon procurement, the tree, along with its branches, is transported to our facility. The branches are thoughtfully donated to families in need, while the trunk is processed into wood for our craft.
Sawing:
The sawing process is a meticulous and labor-intensive endeavor, demanding precision at every step. We rent local sawmill stations for a few days, collaborating closely with their staff to position the log in a way that maximizes grain quality and structural strength. Since these sawmills are modest, much of the work, aside from cutting, is performed manually. The result is a beautifully sawn set of wooden boards, neatly stacked to preserve the integrity of the log.
Seasoning:
Conscious furniture demands conscious choices at every stage. Once the wood boards are brought to our facility, they are naturally seasoned, without the use of chemicals or industrial interventions. Drawing upon traditional wisdom, we stack the planks with adequate gaps to facilitate airflow, turning them periodically and dusting them regularly to prevent insect infestations. Dedicated storage rooms with optimal crossventilation ensure the wood seasons perfectly over approximately 24 months. This slow, deliberate process not only enhances the wood’s strength but also ensures it retains its shape and integrity, even after years of use. Proper seasoning is our assurance that every piece of furniture we create will stand the test of time, preserving its elegance and form.
02: Cane
For cane weaving, we carefully sampled various options in the market before selecting natural Indian cane from one of the most trusted vendors in the country. Each cane is peeled and woven manually by master craftsmen, ensuring the durability and authenticity of the finished product.
03: Tung Oil
Once the furniture is woven, it undergoes a meticulous manual sanding process to reveal the finest wood grains and achieve an exceptionally smooth texture. This controlled, handcrafted approach ensures each piece meets our highest standards of quality. The final step is finishing with Tung Oil, a food-grade safe oil widely revered in Japan for its use on wooden utensils. This eco-friendly oil not only protects the wood but also enhances its natural beauty, safeguarding the furniture against wear and tear for generations. By choosing Tung Oil, we stay true to our ethos of sustainability, crafting pieces that are as kind to the user as they are to the environment.
Ethics
01: Fair Trade
We are unwavering in our dedication to fair compensation for everyone involved in our work, regardless of the scale of their contribution. As architects and designers, we have observed how the invaluable craftsmanship of artisans is often undervalued in a developing country like ours, with industry standards failing to honor the true worth of their efforts.
We consciously reject these norms, ensuring that each artisan and team member receives compensation that reflects their skill, time, and passion. Beyond financial remuneration, we prioritize creating a humane and respectful work environment, recognizing that it is the love and dedication of our team that bring our visions to life.
02: Chemical-Free Craftsmanship
We are unwavering in our dedication to fair compensation for everyone involved in our work, regardless of the scale of their contribution. As architects and designers, we have observed how the invaluable craftsmanship of artisans is often undervalued in a developing country like ours, with industry standards failing to honor the true worth of their efforts.
We consciously reject these norms, ensuring that each artisan and team member receives compensation that reflects their skill, time, and passion. Beyond financial remuneration, we prioritize creating a humane and respectful work environment, recognizing that it is the love and dedication of our team that bring our visions to life.
03: Traditional wisdom
A country like India is blessed with the traditional wisdom of our ancestors and it is our continuous effort to find them and put them. There is a time-tested method for everything, from seasoning processes to joinery.
04: Less but better
We are ardent believers in the philosophy of “Less, but better,” a principle that resonates deeply throughout our practice—from sourcing wood to crafting furniture. Every decision is guided by care and intent. We never compromise by using young wood or hastily prepared materials; only fully seasoned wood, aged to perfection, are used for making the final products. Production is thoughtfully approached in small, carefully managed batches, allowing our artisans the time and space to pour their expertise and dedication into every piece. For us, true growth is not measured by numbers but by the positive impact we bring to lives and the environment, crafting a legacy of quality and mindfulness.
05: Fast is not a direction
“Jaldi ka kaam shaitan ka” was a cherished adage we grew up with, and its wisdom seamlessly wove itself into the fabric of our design philosophy. We firmly believe that work done with love, care, and patience requires the gift of time, for it is the time invested that elevates craftsmanship into art. This ethos is at the heart of our practice—for example, each plank of wood is naturally seasoned with care, a process that cannot be rushed. Once seasoned, every plank is meticulously cleaned, and the sapwood is carefully removed by hand, honouring the material’s integrity.
These deliberate, slow processes are not just methods but a way of life, forming the soul of our craft and imbuing every creation with authenticity and character.
06: Safety equipments
The safety and well-being of our artisans and staff are at the very heart of our design philosophy. We ensure that every individual is equipped with the necessary safety gear required for their specific tasks, fostering a culture of care and protection. Recognizing that there is often a reluctance to use items such as masks, gloves, or other protective equipment, we take the time to educate our team about their importance, clearly outlining both the benefits and potential risks.
Over the course of two years, we’ve observed a remarkable shift—many of our craftsmen have begun incorporating these safety practices into their personal work, a testament to the effectiveness of our approach. This transformation not only highlights their growing awareness but also reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more secure working environment at every level.
07: Honesty
Our practice belives that honesty has to be the root of any good, one desires. Honesty with people we work, honesty at each step of our process, honesty with clients always has to take a centre stage.
As humans, we may make mistakes, but we will never be dishonest.