"Our planet has an abundance of natural resources that we have been using freely and without limitations for thousands of years. However, overconsumption has led to a situation in which we need to pause and ask ourselves: how do we design, manufacture and consume in a sustainable manner? What materials should we be using, and in what way should we be using them, in order to have the least negative environmental impact?" - Tomek Rygalik, Studio Rygalik

Tomek Rygalik, lead designer of Studio Rygalik, began the project by acquiring thorough knowledge of the material, red oak, and its potential - not only in terms of aesthetics, but also functionality. At a time of over-consumption, there is a pressing need to design sustainably. Rygalik saw enormous diversity in American red oak from factors such as where it grown (a trees place of origin can change its colour and grain) or how the timber is finished.  

Natural Born aims to set an example to designers across the world that they can and should have a say on how to design with sustainability in mind, and that ever more environmentally conscious consumers should be choosing products that are designed to last by using materials that aren’t detrimental to the planet.  

“American red oak is not only the most abundant wood species on the American continent - it is also the most sustainable. In our opinion, it is rarely used in Europe, so together with Tomek Rygalik we want to show the possibilities of this wood and inspire. In Poland, the project gives us the opportunity to cooperate with highly qualified workshops that are ready to focus on the material. I think that this is an extraordinary opportunity to work with unusual material, get to know a different quality and approach to design”, explains David Venables, AHEC Europe.