A shared philosophy of combining an elevated aesthetic with everyday function has brought together furniture studio, Union Wood Co, and designer Alyssa Lewis of Studio Block, to create a new line of seating called the Slab Collection. Using Union Wood Co’s foundation for woodworking and craft, Studio Block has designed a collection that intentionally reduces design details down to the structural form of a chair. An artistic vision of minimalism was achieved without sacrificing the seats' essential need for comfort. Union Wood Co and Studio Block have collaboratively designed a collection that celebrates the form and natural beauty of wood.

Relationships

For over 10 years, Union Wood Co has garnished a reputation in Canada and the United States for crafting handmade and quality solid wood furniture. Their catalog boasts a selection of furniture for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. The brand also specializes in custom furniture that is made-to-order to their clients' specifications. To fully round its portfolio, the brand is now expanding its furniture line to include seating options.

Using established relationships within the design community, Union Wood Co reached out to designers around the world, and the first collaboration to be released is the Slab Collection with Alyssa Lewis of Studio Block. Studio Block was a natural partner, given that the two companies had worked closely together during the 2019 Interior Design Show Vancouver. Union Wood Co commemorated their 10-year anniversary with an immersive wooden archway, designed by Studio Block and constructed by Union Wood Co. 

Reductionist

Studio Block approaches its design work with a minimalist’s eye and a desire to create serene living environments. In Lewis’ words, “I find there is a lot of visual noise that surrounds us every day, so I like to simplify things in my design work to quiet the world around us.” To apply this philosophy in practice, Lewis has coined the term 'reductionist' as an artful way of simplifying objects down to their fundamental form.

Union Wood Co’s core value is crafting furniture that will stand the test of time in both design and construction. Craig Pearce, owner and creative director of Union Wood Co, believes that well-made furniture plays a supportive role in spaces by providing the core location for people to gather, work, and play.

The union of these complimentary design approaches created the Slab Collection. Between the two companies, there was a shared desire to design a seating collection that was simplified down to its core function, while still being furniture that is easily incorporated into people’s everyday lives. The chair’s discrete form and lines are comfortable in all styles of commercial and residential spaces.

A Love for Natural Wood

The name of the collection comes from the raw material the seats are made from. Each slab of ash toasts the natural attraction that all people have to the beauty of solid wood. Union Wood Co hand selects each slab of wood knowing the personal connection their clients will form with their furniture through touch, sight, and emotions.

Ash is ideal for the construction of furniture. It is durable and shock-resistant, without being heavy like other hardwoods. Buyers of the collection can select from three finishes: natural, whitewashed, or blackened. Each finish gives the chairs a distinctive character, without distracting from the organic arches and lines of the natural wood grain. The chairs are coated in a matte commercial grade finish that provides them with a softened appearance, yet ensures that they are strong enough for a variety of living and working environments.

Conclusion

The Slab Collection is a collaboration of thoughtful design and construction. Studio Block paired its philosophy of reductionist with Union Wood Co’s foundation of woodworking and craft to design the collection. Together, the two companies have created a collection of seats that will be a timeless addition to any space. 

Technical sheet for the Slab Collection
Collection Options: dining chair, counter stool, bar stool
Material: solid North American ash or custom upon request 

Finishes: natural, whitewashed, blackened, or custom upon request  

Treatment: matte commercial grade clear coat
Product dimensions: 

Chair - 17”W x 14.5”D x 17.7”H, 18” seat H
Counter Stool - 17”W x 14.5”D x 30.5”H, 24” seat H
Bar Stool - 17”W x 14.5”D x 36.5”H, 29.5” seat H

Designer: Alyssa Lewis, Studio Block
Manufacturer: Union Wood Co
Uses: commercial and residential
Suggested CND price: 

chair - $1160.00, counter stool -  $1245.00, bar stool - $1290.00

Suggested USD price: 

chair - $930.00, counter stool -  $1000.00, bar stool - $1035.00
Launch Date: Summer 2021

Photography: Dylan Hamm https://www.dylanhammphoto.com/

About Union Wood Co

Union Wood Co is rooted in designing high-quality, handcrafted furniture for residential and commercial environments. Based in Vancouver, BC since 2009, Union Wood Co prioritizes well-crafted, functional, and accessible products that are encouraged to become the centerpiece of everyday life.

About Alyssa Lewis of Studio Block 

Alyssa Lewis is the Creative Director of Studio Block, a Vancouver-based, multidisciplinary design studio that focuses on design for residential and commercial interiors, fine art-inspired products, and brand styling. Their approach is simple: using a philosophy of reductionist, they produce items and spaces that beautifully function without distraction.