balsa & vivanco create rattan furniture collection influenced by mexican tradition

mexico-based company balsa, in collaboration with designer christian vivanco, present the ‘bajio’ collection, comprised of handmade rattan furniture. the series draws influence from the concept of home as a shelter or as a source of memories, and intends to create a family of chairs, barstools, tables and other objects that express a local, traditional, honest, and familiar value. 

‘alache’ barstool
all images by _c129 & rodrigo chapa

the pieces of ‘bajio’, which is balsa‘s first collection, are all handmade, using steam-molded natural rattan, and following traditional techniques and knowledge acquired by generations of artisans. in fact, for bajio, vivanco worked for several months hand by hand with families of artisans who are experts in natural fibers, using traditional techniques at risk of disappearing.

the collection is composed of 8 different designs and a total of 17 size variations. concepts such as transparency, lightness, structure, and simplicity define the identity and aesthetics of the series, providing unique and timeless furniture, with an evident influence from mexican tradition and syncretism.

‘cala’ hanging chair

camelia lounge chair

detail

construction process

project info:

name: bajio collection 
company: balsa
designer: christian vivanco

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom