Rosana Sousa Merges Portuguese Craftsmanship With Sustainability

In a world where sustainability has become a common buzzword, Portugal-born, Barcelona-based designer Rosana Sousa transcends mere lip service with her intentionally crafted approach to furniture design. Her latest collection, made from repurposed solid walnut and oak, beautifully exemplifies how tradition and modernity can intertwine to create functional art that is both eco-conscious and visually stunning. Comprising a chair, counter stool, side table, coffee table, and vase, the collection highlights responsible practices in the furniture industry. By emphasizing material reuse, Sousa aims to reduce waste and promote a more environmentally mindful design philosophy.

Minimalist kitchen with a marble countertop, wooden stool, pendant lamp, and decorative plants on the counter

Arquivo Counter Stool

Minimalist living room with a brown sofa, two wooden tables, and a lamp on a wooden stand in front of sheer curtains

Trama Coffee Table and Side Table

Locally sourced from excess materials at a furniture factory in Porto, Sousa’s collection breathes new life into wood that would have otherwise gone to waste. Each piece serves as a testament to the power of transformation, showcasing handcrafted striped panels that reveal the unique character of reclaimed timber, including variations in color tone, wood grain, and the presence of medullary rays or knots. Gentle curves and bouclé upholstery add a soft balance to the rectilinear lines of the designs, resulting in pieces that artfully combine hard and soft elements for a harmonious blend of aesthetics and utility.

A wooden vase with branches on a small dark stand against a gray wall, next to a white curtain.

Cava Vase

Minimalist wooden chairs and a table with pears on top, set against beige curtains on a brown carpet

Vaga Chair

Driven by a passion for Portugal’s rich woodworking heritage, Sousa employs a thoughtful mix of traditional techniques and modern manufacturing methods. The assembly process mirrors the care evident in the final product: a variety of wood offcuts are meticulously cut, adhered together, and transformed into volumetric structures. This method not only maximizes material use but also celebrates a distinctive patchwork aesthetic.

A wooden coffee table with various black geometric shapes is positioned on a dark floor. A green cushioned chair is partially visible in the foreground

Trama Coffee Table

Modern living room with a brown couch, wooden side table with a bowl of fruit, abstract art on the wall, and a light-colored pedestal with a spherical lamp by the window

Trama Side Table

Sousa’s collection is a tribute to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the rich traditions of Portuguese design. Each item is available in two material combinations of solid walnut and oak, expertly crafted to add warmth, texture, and durability to contemporary living spaces. By transforming surplus materials into exquisite pieces that tell a story, Sousa invites us to invest in not just beautiful objects, but also a more sustainable future.