UC61
Saman slab and reclaimed sucupira dry trunks
300x80x80 cm
Year built
2023
Function
Sitting
Status
No longer available
UC61 is a three-metre-long bench commissioned for an exceptional house overlooking Málaga Bay. It was a project in which the outdoor landscaping played an unusually prominent role, arguably even more so than the interior design itself. In this setting, the bench had an obvious practical function, but its purpose went further: it was meant to convey the peace and tranquillity that invited people to enjoy the surroundings.
Iñigo naturally turned to the benches of the legendary architect and woodworker George Nakashima for inspiration. His way of working with wood and transforming pieces with a strong natural presence into furniture of remarkable serenity was a perfect fit for the spirit of the commission.
For the seat, we used a gigantic slab of saman wood, almost one metre wide. The legs and backrest were made from reclaimed sucupira logs, a material we have featured in other stories. They had come into our hands as part of a debt settlement between builders and had spent years forgotten inside a shipping container. Their colour proved to be a perfect match for the saman.
Behind the bench's apparent simplicity lies demanding woodworking craftsmanship. The uprights supporting the backrest feature angled, wedged joints, a construction technique chosen to ensure the strength and durability of the piece.
The result is a piece with a strong presence, yet no unnecessary display. Two reclaimed woods, carefully considered construction and a serene geometry come together to create an image that conveys exactly what the commission called for: a profound sense of peace.
