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Press Release

Guama Lounge Chair

A' Design Award 2026 Iron Winner in Furniture Design

25 April 2026

Guama Lounge Chair by Rafael Oliva
Guama Lounge Chair by Rafael Oliva
Guama Lounge Chair by Rafael Oliva
Guama Lounge Chair by Rafael Oliva
Guama Lounge Chair by Rafael Oliva

Rafael Oliva · CLIENT: Labmobili

The collection evokes a modern throne through its minimal, contemporary, universal and unmistakably Brazilian design. Its quiet geometry distills form to essence, allowing the warmth and presence of solid wood to lead. Crafted from responsibly sourced timber, it balances industrial precision and delicate handwork, where heritage and material converge. Every line and texture honors the material, offering a tactile experience that bridges ancestral soul with modern minimalism. This collection celebrates nature’s raw power and the touch of human creativity.

Press Kit

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.
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.
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.
Image Credits
Image #1: VEDAC. Image #2: VEDAC. Image #3: VEDAC. Image #4: VEDAC. Image #5: VEDAC.

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