MATERIAL MIX

Designer Laurie Wiid van Heerden of Wiid Design takes us on a tour through his Cape Town studio

One of the traditional techniques my studio incorporates in our products is hand-carved details on furniture, such as my Meraki Daybed, as well as hand-carved collectible objects like timber or cork tortoiseshells. It is important for me to incorporate ancient skills that are true to Africa and combine these skills with contemporary design. I work with many materials and cork is one of my favourites. I have a wide range of cork products — from small trays to massive pendant lights and even cabinets. I love the feel and smell of it, and the fact that it is one of the most sustainable materials in the world, while also being durable and versatile. My office overlooks the showroom, which has two large frosted acrylic panels in the ceiling. These filter natural light allowing me to grow large plants in my Soma planters. Timber is another wonderful material because of its ancient connotations to man and design. Its grain and imperfections intrigue me and, like cork, it is wonderful to carve, shape and sand. I love combining different materials and experimenting with shapes. I get inspiration from a variety of things including antique shops, books, nature, collaborations and travelling.