Get to know more about Houtlander, our Feature Designer 2022

Get to know more about Houtlander, our 100% Design Africa Feature Designer 2022

It’s not coincidental that five years after launching their small range of Spindle furniture at 100% Design Africa, Houtlander is this year’s Feature Designer. In fact, it was at that same debut show in 2017 that their Coronation Bench won 100% Design’s Best Furniture Design award.

And since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, continuing to show innovation, a commitment to craft and a responsibility to remaining sustainable. Houtlander founders, Phillip Hollander and Stephen Wilson, along with their team of designers and makers, produce timeless and beautifully crafted furniture that takes pride of place in homes, hotels and restaurants all over South Africa – and beyond.

We took a moment to catch up with the team to hear what being a part of 100% Design Africa means to them and to find out what we can expect to see at their stand this year.

What does being a part of 100% Design Africa mean to your brand?

We see it as a platform to engage and educate people about our brand and what we have to offer and it gives us the opportunity to interact with both trade and the public. As designers we are often creating and making products, isolated from the consumer, but being at 100% Design Africa allows us to see first-hand how people engage with our products. The feedback we get from these interactions is extremely valuable to us.

What can visitors expect from your showcase as Feature Designer 2022?

We have been working on two new chair designs that will be launched at the show – one for the indoors and one very exciting outdoor chair. The Spindle Couch range will also be shown in Joburg for the first time, which we’re thrilled to showcase.

As an influential brand within the design industry how have you reimagined yourselves in 2022?

We have always only used American white oak because of its sustainability and disregarded hardwood from Africa because of the unsustainable harvesting methods. But, for the first time, we are looking into a locally grown timber species that undergoes a revolutionary treatment method that will allow us to use this timber as never before. This will open up a brand-new range of products that embodies the core Houtlander ethos of sustainability.

As an award-winning local brand that continues to surprise and delight, we are proud to celebrate Houtlander as 100% Design Africa’s Feature Designer 2022. Come and see their beautiful furniture from 28 – 31 July at the Sandton Convention Centre, book your tickets here.

houtlander.co.za @houtlander