The First One Nachtkastje by Luisa Gonzalez Mijares is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in IJzer in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.
IJzerMeubels· 2026
The First One Nachtkastje
Client: Luisa Gonzalez Mjares
A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Meubels Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #176307The Design
About The First One Nachtkastje
Dit kastje verenigt traditioneel houtbewerking met een moderne stijl, met gebruik van gerecycled teakhout en berkenmultiplex. Beproefde houtverbindingen en met de hand vervaardigde afwerkingen tonen het vakmanschap, terwijl latpatronen en gevarieerde tinten een moderne toets geven. De getextureerde latten creëren visuele effecten en dynamische schaduwen wanneer de deur beweegt, wat een speelse energie en kunstzinnigheid toevoegt. Deze combinatie eert klassieke methoden en integreert tegelijk moderne materialen, wat functionaliteit en expressie waarborgt.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award in IJzer
The First One Nachtkastje is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. The First One Nachtkastje wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. The First One Nachtkastje wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This cabinet blends traditional woodworking with modern flair using reclaimed solid teak and Birch Plywood. Classic joinery and hand-finishing highlight craftsmanship, while slatted designs and contrasting tones add a contemporary edge. The textured slats create optical illusions and shifting shadows as the door moves, infusing playful dynamism and art into the piece. This fusion respects heritage techniques while embracing innovative design, making it both functional and expressive.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Hight 500mm, Width 400mm, Depth 300mm
- Tags
- Furniture, Reclaimed, wood, plywood, optical illusion, stability, art
- Production Technology
- This furniture piece blends traditional and modern woodworking. Dovetail joints create a sturdy, classic drawer, while marriage joints ensure precise wood connections. Biscuit joinery strengthens the carcass, and teak edge lipping enhances plywood durability and elegance. Hand-routed grooves hold teak slats, creating a striking optical illusion and floating effect.
- Design Challenge
- The creative challenge was to transform the proportions given by the guidelines into something aesthetically acceptable or pleasing to my criteria by the incorporation of optical illusions in the design to distract the eye from the given proportions.
- Research
- Crafting solid wood furniture in coastal Cornwall remains a challenge due to high humidity over 80 in uninsulated 1700s1800s stone cottages and sea breezes, causing wood to swell warp and loosen joints affecting function look and durability. Combining traditional joinery with stable birch plywood and reclaimed teak which resists moisture and salty air ensures furniture stays structurally sound in Cornish coastal climate The piece has been tested in various environments to prove its stability
- Inspiration
- This furniture design project came from my studies. I had to work with set proportions, one drawer and one door. I did not find the guidelines nor proportions appealing, therfore I experimented with optical illusions to make the drawer and door blend, and visually giving the piece a lighter floating perception. I drew inspiration from Carlos Cruz Diez, the clean lines of Japanese design and from the conviction that any object can blend with art and functionality.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2024 and ended in July 2024 in the Cornwall College Camborne, Cornwall, UK.
The piece remained in exhibition in the College gallery for a another year when they offered to but it from me. Sadly I had to decline the offer at the time, but might consider donating it to them instead at some point in the future. - Operation Flow
- The operation and interaction of this furniture piece are intentionally subtle, designed to conceal any obvious function while integrating decorative elements as operational handles, The vertical teak slats a whilst a aesthetic feature doubles as handles for both the door and the traditional drawer creating a seamless flow. Opening the door reveals the interior while pulling the drawer engages the same slatted design blending utility with art. This interplay ensures the units purpose remains discreet inviting users to explore its kinetic charm and optical illusions through tactile engagement enhancing both form and function.
- Team Members
- Luisa Gonzalez Mijares
- Image Credits
- All images
Photographer : Remi Cribb
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