BY Fast Company SA 2 MINUTE READ

Having delighted both local and international consumers with its elegant timber ceiling lights, minima design has moved into furniture—with the launch of a charming set of stools called Baobab.
Made using the same clip-together system for which its lights are famous, the stools bring a pop of personality into a space with their distinctive shape influenced by the African baobab, or ‘upside-down tree’.

“I wanted to create something more solid and structural, as well as functional,” explains minima’s Jacques Cronje. “Having created a three-seater bench called Flow out of CNC plywood [wood shaped with a computer-controlled cutting machine] for the dti Furniture Awards in 2015—which we were honoured to win—I took the same concept and condensed it into a more everyday product.”
Used as a pair or on their own, the Baobab stools work well in interiors that have been inspired by the Scandi look— think clean, open spaces with plenty of ply, natural colours and greenery—or even in a colourful room scattered with soft furnishings.

The minimalism trend remains a strong design influence, says Cronje, having visited the Maison&Objet trade show in Paris in September 2016 and seeing it featured prominently—yet it has evolved to integrate a different feel of design, with the use of copper and brass, and more industrial materials. “The look that is coming through weaves in wood into a setting that’s stronger than it was a few years ago, where white and light were very much in vogue. It’s about mixing and matching pieces and materials with each other to present a look that’s defined, has character and depth, and offers a sense of delight,” Cronje adds.

The Baobab stools join minima’s other digitally-cut pieces that include a diversity of ceiling lights made from birch ply and bamboo, as well as chairs, coffee tables and bar stools, plus the Flow bench. All use the clip-together system, requiring limited or no glue or screws.
Products are available from interior stockists around South Africa, including Klooftique, Province Lighting, Stable, Skep,The Light Shed and Glow Lighting. Visit www.minima.co.za for stockist or export information and follow on Instagram @minima_design.