Guama Fotelja by Rafael Oliva is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Željezna nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Namještaja Competition Category.

ŽeljezoNamještaj· 2026

Guama Fotelja

by Rafael Oliva

Client: Labmobili

Željezna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Namještaj Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Guama Fotelja

Kolekcija evocira moderno prijestolje kroz svoj minimalistički, suvremen, univerzalan i nepogrešivo brazilski dizajn. Njezina tiha geometrija svodi formu na bit, dopuštajući da toplina i prisutnost masivnog drva preuzmu vodstvo. Izrađena od drva iz odgovornih izvora, uravnotežuje industrijsku preciznost i delikatnu ručnu izradu, gdje se nasljeđe i materijal stapaju. Svaka linija i tekstura odaje počast materijalu, nudeći taktilno iskustvo koje povezuje pradavnu dušu sa suvremenim minimalizmom. Ova kolekcija slavi sirovu snagu prirode i dodir ljudske kreativnosti.

The Recognition

About the Željezna nagrada A' Design Award

Guama Fotelja je pobjednik Željezne nagrade A' Design Award, prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje dobrim dizajnima što ispunjavaju profesionalne i industrijske zahtjeve očekivane od dobro dizajniranih kreacija. Željezni pobjednici pokazuju veliku vještinu, visoku specijalizaciju, stručno razumijevanje i kreativne kapacitete svojih stvaratelja. Očekuje se da Guama Fotelja bude visoko cijenjena, voljena i njegovana kreacija koja je praktična i inovativna. Ovaj dizajn koji je osvojio Željeznu nagradu A' Design Award integrira najbolje industrijske prakse i ima kompetentne tehničke karakteristike povezane sa znanjem i talentom. Guama Fotelja se poštuje zbog svoje temeljitosti i dizajniran je da pruži poboljšanja kvalitete života koja pomažu da svijet postane bolje mjesto.

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.