Can you elaborate on the unique properties of Chamchuri wood and how they influence the design and functionality of your furniture?
Chamchuri wood is a native tree widely cultivated in northern Thailand. Its trunks are not particularly tall but have a wide cross-section, resulting in different woodworking characteristics compared to imported European woods like ash, oak, and beech, as well as teak, a commonly used wood in Thailand.
Due to the wide width of the wood (up to 1-1.5 metres), when used in design, it can create unique designs that differ from those made with other types of processed wood.
What techniques do you use to treat and preserve Chamchuri wood to enhance its durability and maintain its aesthetic qualities?
Since we process the wood ourselves from logs, we need to kiln-dry it to control the moisture content. This results in higher quality wood compared to other brands that use the same type of wood but don't kiln-dry it before creating their products. Additionally, kiln-drying enhances the beauty of the wood.
The heat treatment process used Chamchuri wood makes the piece stronger and more durable while simultaneously enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
How do you integrate metal work with woodwork in your furniture designs, and what challenges do you encounter in this process?
The metal helps to make the overall design feel less heavy. Since Chamchuri wood has large grains, it can warp easily in thin pieces, so the metal acts as structural reinforcement. Alternatively, if thick wood is used, combining it with thin metal creates a better balance.
How do you translate traditional Thai aesthetics into contemporary furniture designs that appeal to a global audience?
We may not explicitly use the visual language of traditional Thai design. Still, we believe we can convey the essence of traditional Thai aesthetics through the use of local materials and the application of traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary manner. We present our designs humbly and straightforwardly, and we trust that people can sense this authenticity through our work.
What are some of the signature pieces in your collections, and what makes them stand out?
Pebble Stool celebrates the craftsmanship of local artisans through sculptural wood carving.
- Siam Bookshelf combines Chamchuri wood with celadon ceramics, offering a fresh perspective on using local wood alongside other materials.
- Mesa Collection asymmetrically assembles wood pieces, creating a captivating design language that subtly reflects Eastern aesthetic philosophy.
Are there any upcoming collections or projects that you’re particularly excited about, and what can we expect from them?
We are collaborating with designers from around the world to present new interpretations of Moonler's concept from a growing and expanding perspective.
By reinterpreting Chamchuri wood and local craftsmanship, we anticipate exciting new outcomes in the future.
