furf design studio develops autumn furniture collection with vegan 'leaf leather'

the brazilian based practice, furf design studio, presents a collection of products using leather made from leaves. with a vision for a more sustainable future, the project, entitled ‘autumn’, is the result of five years of research. produced by an organic tannery, nova kaeru, the vegan material displays similar characteristics of animal leathers, but with the difference that the co2 emission of its manufacturing process is compensated by the carbon absorption of planting and leaf growth.

all images © ricardo perini

unlike most other vegetable textiles, the leaf leather sheet is not mixed with other types of fibers or polymers, which maintains the beauty of its look, textures and natural shapes. developed in the heart of the tropical rainforest in the interior of rio de janeiro, the robust frames of the stools are industrially produced using recycled steel, with handmade welding and finishing. designed by furf with six feet at the base, the products intend to reference both animals and a spatial functional aesthetic. 

the six legs are in reference to animals

to create different styles, the leather can be dyed to any color just like normal leather, however, the leaf’s veins will still be visible in it’s texture. overall, the project looks towards the future and aims to bridge the gap between industrial and artisanal. by producing a material that in fact helps to clean the environment around us, the team propose leaf leather as an ethical and sustainable material choice. 

the autumn collection viewed together

the design also uses recycled steel

the design links nature with industrial

the leaves provide a beautiful organic aesthetic

the leaf leather has similar characteristics to animal leather

the design team during the process

the leaves help to clean the air

close up view of the leaves used

the drying leaves

the jumpsuits were co-created with the brazilian fashion brand projeto zero um especially for the the autumn photoshoot

project info:

project name: ‘autumn’

design: furf design studio

images: ricardo perini 

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: lynne myers | designboom