American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is known for conducting a worldwide promotion programme with activities in more than 35 countries. In an effort to support design’s next generation, AHEC in conjunction with HDII Jakarta organised a design camp for budding Indonesian designers earlier this year and saw four stand-out participants emerged as winners across four categories: Best Design for Furniture (Young Professional), Best Design for Furniture (Student), Best Design for Interior Space (Young Professional) and Best Design for Interior Space (Student).

Forty-eight young designers, including 28 students and 20 young professionals had to consider American red oaks’ tactility as a key component of the creative process. They were mentored by highly regarded professionals over the course of three months to ensure their designs were aesthetically-pleasing, practical and marketable.

Here are the winning furniture pieces that will be produced for display at HDII Jakarta.

Best Design for Furniture (Young Professional): Fable Collection by Aryawan Mantra

Mantra seeks to inspire children’s imagination and aid their learning through this versatile furniture set that was inspired by Indonesian children’s fables. The crocodile-inspired desk doubles up as a sturdy book shelf. In addition, the detailing on the desk allows it to serve as a stand for gadgets in order to facilitate remote learning, which became the norm during the Covid-19 pandemic. Accompanying the desk is the deer-inspired stool that can be turned into a rocking deer – perfect for both studying and playing. American red oak is a porous material which means it accepts stains and finishes particularly well.

Best Design for Furniture (Student): Kaleles Bar Stool by Alouyxius Bertrand Cleviandro

Bertrand set out to design a piece that was inspired by Indonesian culture as he feels contemporary design does not sufficiently reflect Indonesian’s rich cultural heritage. He took inspiration from the Indonesian island of Madura, which is famous for its centuries-old tradition of bull racing. The stool itself is reflective of the kaleles (the saddle) used in the race, the backrest is representative of the bull’s horns and the curved brass detailing on the leg represents the horseshoe support on which the jockey stands.

Best Design for Interior Space (Young Professional): Baluran National Park Safari Lodge by Muhamad Abdurrohim

Through his design, Abdurrohim would like to bring the luxury African safari lodge experience to the Bularan National Park in Indonesia as he feels that the exquisite views and abundance of flora and fauna need to be supported by equally excellent lodging. His building is inspired by the shape of the firefly, and comprises 4 bedrooms as well as common areas for dining and other leisure activities. His design taps on American red oak for the ceiling structures and American white oak for the exterior with both American oak species bringing different dimensions to the space.

Best Design for Interior Space (Student): Rumpi by Margaretha

Through the creation of a Rumpi, a portable edu-space that can be used for discussion, training or even self-reflection, Margaretha hopes to play a part in supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals in reducing poverty and social inequality through education. The discussion space will be situated in public areas in Indonesia, equipped with reading material and discussion spaces, that will allow for an exchange of ideas as well as the gaining of knowledge and insight. American red oak despite being hard and heavy, is flexible too, allowing Margaretha to create beautiful curves.

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