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A Designer Looks to a Renewable Material With the Ibuju Collection

08.10.22 | By
A Designer Looks to a Renewable Material With the Ibuju Collection

Colombian designer Francisco Jaramillo grew up in the Amazon and saw firsthand how indiscriminate logging practices have been destroying their ecosystem. One of the biggest issues the region faces is the use of native wood, and the Ibuju Collection offers an alternative. Yaré is a natural fiber commonly referred to as vine, and Jaramillo proposes taking advantage of the renewable material to create furniture. By rethinking the design and manufacturing of native wood pieces a difference can be made. Jaramillo’s first effort is this collection, made up of a bench, coffee table, and stool.

woven furniture collection in white studio

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

The Ibuju Collection begins with a group of weavers responsible for translating the original furniture designs, planning how weaving with yaré can be accomplished with the same woven geometries. The fiber is then harvested by indigenous communities in southern Colombia from where it grows on trees. Long used by locals for crafts, it can do so much more – Jaramillo has found his starting point.

woven outdoor bench in white studio

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

two woven outdoor benches

Photo: Juan Silva

detail of two woven outdoor benches

Photo: Juan Silva

two woven outdoor benches on cement stairs

Photo: Juan Silva

detail of two woven outdoor benches

Photo: Juan Silva

woven coffee table in white studio

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

woven coffee table leaning again a wall in a white studio

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

two wicker stools in a white studio

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

feet standing on a wicker stool

Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

detail of two woven outdoor benches

Photo: Juan Silva

light-skinned man with dark hair, wearing black clothes sitting on a woven coffee table and surrounded by the rest of the collection

Francisco Jaramillo \\\ Photo: Juliana Gómez Quijano

To learn more about the Ibuju Collection, visit instagram.com/fangostudio.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.