Book Icpalli by Cass Saldanha is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse in Caltlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

BronseCaltlapechtli· 2026

Book Icpalli

by Cass Saldanha

Client: SAL+Co

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse Winner in Caltlapechtli Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Book Icpalli

Book se icpalli tlen noijki weli kitlalia iwan kinextia se amoxtli tlapoutok. Inin tlachijchiwalli se tekitl tlen kinemilia geometría iwan symetría, iwan sejse itlakoyoktlan kuali motlapowilijtok. Book mochijchiwa ika chikawak istak oak kuawitl iwan Europa walnut kuawitl. Se oak kuawitl yawalli tlen tlajkotian kitilana nochi tlachijchiwalli kampa eyi ikxiwan tlen tlanakastik mosentiliaj. Nawi brass tepostli kikixtiaj tlapachiwilistli ipan kampa mosentiliaj iwan kimakaj chikawalistli. Nochi ixko ika maitl motlamiltia ika aceite tlen naturaleza, tlen kimaka se matte tlachialistli iwan kimokuitlawia kenijki momachilia kuawitl. Inin icpalli iwejkapan kampa timosewia eli 450 milímetros.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse

Book Icpalli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in cualli tlachihualli in motenehua ipampa yancuic tlamantli, tlamatiliztli ihuan ixtlamatiliztli. In quicuicah Bronse ca tlachihualli in quipia toltecayotl ihuan quinextia in cenca miac nemiliztli ihuan tlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Book Icpalli ca tlazohtli tlamantli, mahuiztic ihuan cualli. Ni dizayno in quicuic Bronse quipia cualli toltecayotl ihuan quitta in tlen tepiton. Book Icpalli quipaquiltia in tlacah ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia in intlanequiliz.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: The Bookchair is more than a stool or a chair. It is a sculptural study in geometry and symmetry. Every angle is meticulously calculated to bridge the gap between furniture and art. While its 18-inch height offers utility, its true purpose is to cradle an open book, an invitation to slow down and reflect. More than a functional object, it is a quiet gesture of intentionality, designed for those who value both form and the written word.
Dimensions & Packaging: Materials:
European Walnut, White Oak, Brass solid rod.

Dimensions:

Width: 575 mm
Depth: 300 mm
Height: 735 mm
Seat Height: 450 mm
Tags: Stool, Chair, Brazilian, Wood, Symmetry, Sculpture
Production Technology: Crafted from solid white oak and European walnut, the Bookchair balances warmth with structural depth. A central oak disc anchors the piece, distributing force where three angled legs converge. For engineered stability, four 1/3" brass rods act as discreet tension relievers at key junctions. Each surface is hand-finished with natural oils, creating a matte, luminous texture that preserves the wood's tactile essence. It is a marriage of meticulous joinery and organic materiality.
Inspiration: Guided by geometry and architectural symmetry, the Bookchair is a study in visual clarity. Inspired by Lina Bo Bardi, whose furniture blended modernist rigor with Brazilian vernacular and handcraft. It blends modernist rigor with Brazilian cultural honesty. This piece honors Brazilian modernism through a balance of function and sculptural form. Whether supporting an open book or standing alone, it exists at the intersection of utility and art. An object to be used, and one to be contemplated.
Project Duration: Conceived in Miami in May 2023, this project was prototyped over two months and completed in July 2023. It is an exclusive one-of-one piece; all remaining prototypes were destroyed in July 2023.
Operation Flow: The Bookchair can be used as a normal stool seating functionality, but also can serve as a book display.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Cass Saldanha, 2024.
Team Members: Cass Saldanha