Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin by Rafael Oliva

Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin by Rafael Oliva is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Iarainn A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àirneis Competition Category.

IarannÀirneis· 2026

Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin

by Rafael Oliva

Client: Labmobili

Duais Iarainn A' Design Award Winner in Àirneis Category

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Colors

The Design

About Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin

Músclaíonn an bailiúchán íomhá ríchathaoireach nua-aimseartha trína dhearadh íosta, comhaimseartha, uilíoch agus go follasach Brasaíleach. Driogann a chéimseata chiúin an fhoirm go dtí a croílár, rud a ligeann do theas agus do láithreacht an adhmaid sholadaigh treoir a thabhairt. Déanta as adhmad a fhaightear go freagrach, cothromaíonn sé cruinneas tionsclaíoch agus lámhshaothar íogair, áit a dtagann oidhreacht agus ábhar le chéile. Tugann gach líne agus uigeacht ómós don ábhar, ag tairiscint eispéireas tadhlach a nascann anam na sinsear le híosamh nua-aimseartha. Ceiliúrann an bailiúchán seo cumhacht amh an dúlra agus teagmháil chruthaitheacht an duine.

The Recognition

About the Duais Iarainn A' Design Award

Tha Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin air Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean math a choinnicheas ris na riatanasan proifeiseanta is gnìomhachais a thathar a' sùileachadh bho chruthachaidhean a chaidh an dealbhadh gu math. Tha buannaichean Iarainn a' nochdadh sgil mhòr, speisealachadh àrd, tuigse eòlaiche agus comas cruthachail an luchd-cruthachaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin na chruthachadh air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach a tha practaigeach agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Iarainn A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr sa ghnìomhachas còmhla agus tha feartan teignigeach comasach aige ceangailte ri eòlas-dèanamh agus tàlant. Tha meas air Guama Cathaoir Shuíocháin airson a dhùrachd agus chaidh a dhealbhadh gus leasachaidhean càileachd beatha a thoirt seachad a chuidicheas le bhith a' dèanamh an t-saoghail na àite nas fheàrr.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Guama Lounge Chair captures the strength and essence of wood in a minimalist, elegant, and timeless design.

Inspired by the natural wealth of Para, each piece is carved from sustainably managed solid wood by VEDAC, paying tribute to the harmonious connection between humans and the forest.

The purity of the lines and artisanal craftsmanship reveal not only the beauty of the material but also the skill of the local artisans.
Dimensions & Packaging: Hieght: 100cm
Width: 75cm
Depth: 78cm
Tags: armchair, lounge chair, brazil, pará, amazon, amazônia, sustainable wood
Production Technology: The Guama collection is produced in Para by VEDAC, using sustainably managed Amazonian wood. Combining advanced CNC technology with precise manual finishing, it demonstrates that the region unites innovation and craftsmanship. Each piece reflects technological excellence, respect for nature, and the refinement of contemporary Brazilian design.
Design Challenge: The hardest part was balancing Amazonian identity with industrial viability. We faced the challenge of translating ancestral woodworking into a scalable production logic. Overcoming logistical hurdles required innovating in joinery and modularity. Internally, we had to respect traditional aesthetics while meeting rigid durability standards. This synthesis turned regional soul into a competitive, high-quality industrial product.
Research: We conducted exploratory research to bridge Amazonian craftsmanship with industrial scale. Using ethnographic tools and interviews with local artisans, we studied traditional woodworking. Results showed a gap between raw manual skill and market durability. Insights led to a modular assembly system that preserves aesthetic soul while optimizing logistics. This impacts the industry by proving sustainable regional design can be globally competitive, boosting local economies and design ethics.
Inspiration: The Guama Lounge Chair was inspired by the Amazonian landscapes of Para, where wood embodies both strength and serenity. The project seeks to express this essence through minimalist geometry and precise craftsmanship. Developed from research into local woodworking traditions and sustainable practices, it translates nature's raw vitality into refined, timeless design.
Project Duration: I designed the collection in January 2025 in Sao Paulo at LABMOBILI and it was manufactured in Sao Miguel do Guama by VEDAC in early February 2025. It was exhibited in the Fuori Salone in Milan in April 2025.
Operation Flow: The Guama Lounge Chair was designed for intuitive interaction and visual lightness. Each piece invites touch through its softened edges and balanced proportions. The solid wood structure ensures strength and durability, while its minimalist design enhances versatility in different spaces. The precise joinery and smooth finish elevate comfort, tactility, and timeless performance.
Image Credits: Image #1: VEDAC. Image #2: VEDAC. Image #3: VEDAC. Image #4: VEDAC. Image #5: VEDAC.