Leaf Bòrd-taoibh by Ariane Rosa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Umha A' Design Award in Dealbhadh Àirneis Competition Category.

UmhaÀirneis· 2026

Leaf Bòrd-taoibh

by Ariane Rosa

Client: AR Architecture and Design

Duais Umha A' Design Award Winner in Àirneis Category

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The Design

About Leaf Bòrd-taoibh

Tha am Bòrd-taoibh Leaf a' cothlamadh uachdar taice le solas àrainneachdail amalaichte. Tha an co-dhèanamh air a chur air dòigh timcheall air bunait fiodha leth-chruinneach às a bheil gas caol meatailt ag èirigh gus mullach coltach ri treidhe a chumail suas, air a dhealbhadh airson nithean làitheil. Os cionn an uachdair tha eileamaid duilleige meatailt a' dìon stòr solais a ghabhas gnìomhachadh le suathadh agus a bheir a-mach deàrrsadh sgapte. Tha an rèiteachadh a' toirt iomradh air structaran luibh-eòlach far a bheil gas a' cumail taic ri duilleag a bhios a' sìoladh solais. Tro amalachadh fiodha, meatailt agus solais, tha an dealbhadh ag obair an dà chuid mar bhòrd-taoibh agus mar stòr solais taobh a-staigh àiteachan a-staigh.

The Recognition

About the Duais Umha A' Design Award

Tha Leaf Bòrd-taoibh air Duais Umha A' Design Award a bhuannachadh, aithneachadh gu math urramach a bheirear do dhealbhaidhean sònraichte a tha air an comharrachadh le cruthachalachd, innleachd agus geurchuis. Tha buannaichean Umha nan obraichean gu math sgileil agus gu sònraichte cruthachail a dhearbhas eòlas farsaing, mac-meanmna agus tapachd an luchd-dealbhaidh. Thathar an dùil gum bi Leaf Bòrd-taoibh na nì air a bheil mòran meas, ion-mholta agus gràdhach, a tha gu sònraichte proifeiseanta agus ùr-ghnàthach. Tha an dealbhadh seo a bhuannaich Duais Umha A' Design Award a' cur nan cleachdaidhean as fheàrr ann an ealain, saidheans, dealbhadh agus teicneolas an gnìomh, agus tha e sàr-mhath airson an aire do mhion-fhiosrachadh. Bidh Leaf Bòrd-taoibh a' sàsachadh fheumalachdan gu h-iongantach, a' suathadh ri miannan, a' tàladh faireachdainnean agus a' togail fiosrachd.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Leaf Side Table is a sculptural furniture piece where support surface and light become a single gesture. A solid wood hemispherical base anchors the composition while a slender metallic stem rises to support a tray-like top. Above it, a golden leaf discreetly shelters a touch-activated light source. By combining Brazilian artisanal sensibility with contemporary restraint, the design transforms an everyday side table into a subtle lighting object and a quiet focal presence within interior spaces
Dimensions & Packaging: Leaf Side Table. Dimensions 300 mm W x 300 mm D x 600 mm H. Materials solid wood for base and tray top and metal for structural stem and leaf element. Integrated touch activated LED light concealed beneath the metal leaf. Designed as a compact side table combining support surface and ambient lighting. The hemispherical wooden base provides stability while the slender vertical metal stem supports the top and lighting element.
Tags: Leaf side table, sculptural side table, illuminated side table, Brazilian design furniture, wood and metal furniture, touch light furniture, contemporary side table, artistic furniture design, ambient lighting furniture
Production Technology: Leaf combines traditional woodworking with precise metal fabrication. The hemispherical base and tray-like top are crafted from solid wood, shaped and finished to emphasize the natural grain and tactile quality of the material. A slender metal stem provides structural continuity between the elements. The upper metal leaf is fabricated in thin metal and integrates a discreet touch-activated LED module beneath its surface, allowing soft ambient illumination while preserving the visual lightness of the composition.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was achieving a visual balance between sculptural expression and functional clarity. The design required integrating a light source without compromising the purity and lightness of the form. Another difficulty was translating an organic, nature-inspired concept into a structure that could be realistically produced using wood and metal. The process involved refining proportions and structural relationships so the object could appear delicate while remaining stable and technically feasible.
Research: Qualitative design research aimed to explore the relationship between furniture, light, and everyday rituals. The objective was to create a small object capable of combining functional support and ambient lighting in a single gesture. The methodology involved form studies, material exploration, and spatial observation of how side tables are used in domestic environments. Concept sketches and iterative modeling were used as research tools. The results revealed the potential of merging surface and light, generating a more intimate and meaningful interaction with everyday furniture.
Inspiration: Leaf was inspired by the symbolic presence of nature in Brazilian daily life and by the quiet rituals that take place around small domestic objects. Its composition recalls a botanical structure: a stem rising from the ground and sustaining a leaf that shelters light. This gesture reflects the coexistence of strength and delicacy typical of tropical landscapes, while also evoking cultural moments of gathering, offering, and sharing that often unfold around simple supporting surfaces.
Project Duration: The Leaf Side Table project began in 2025 in Santa Catarina, Brazil, where the initial concept and design development were carried out. The project is currently in the design phase, with ongoing refinement of form, materials, and lighting integration as part of the preparation for future prototyping and production.
Operation Flow: Leaf Side Table is designed for simple and intuitive interaction. The tray like top provides a surface for small everyday objects such as books glasses or personal items. Above it a metal leaf discreetly shelters a light source that is activated by touch. This gesture turns the object into a soft source of ambient light creating a calm atmosphere. By combining support surface and illumination in one piece the design simplifies use while enriching the experience of the space.
Image Credits: Laila Dutra