Peri Chair: Honoring Nature Through Indigenous Design

Luan Del Savio’s award-winning chair blends culture, sustainability, and craftsmanship

The Peri chair draws deeply from the spiritual and ecological heritage of the Tupi Guarani people, reflecting their profound connection to the natural world. Named after the guardian of forests and rivers in indigenous lore, the chair’s design embodies the Tupi Guarani philosophy of living in harmony with nature. This cultural homage is evident in both its form and materiality, creating a piece that is as meaningful as it is functional.

Distinguished by its use of sustainable materials, the Peri chair features a solid wood base and a seat and backrest crafted from sisal—a natural, biodegradable fiber known for its durability. The choice of materials not only ensures longevity but also reinforces the chair’s ecological ethos. The design’s organic lines and tactile surfaces evoke the reeds and braided fibers traditionally used by indigenous artisans, seamlessly blending aesthetics with environmental consciousness.

The production process of the Peri chair is a testament to the synergy between advanced technology and skilled craftsmanship. State-of-the-art CNC machines are employed to sculpt the wood into fluid, organic shapes, while artisans complete each piece with meticulous hand-finishing. This combination guarantees both precision and individuality, giving each chair a unique character while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

Ergonomics and user comfort are central to the Peri chair’s design. The intuitive form invites interaction, while the carefully selected materials ensure both resilience and ease of maintenance. The chair’s dimensions—610 mm by 545 mm by 845 mm—are optimized for comfort and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of contemporary interiors.

Developed over ten months in the cities of Maravilha and Santa Helena, the Peri chair is the result of extensive ethnographic research and iterative prototyping. Luan Del Savio’s team overcame challenges in integrating traditional techniques with modern manufacturing, particularly in the absence of formal documentation on Tupi Guarani craftsmanship. The project’s success is marked by its Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2025, recognizing its technical excellence and cultural significance.

The Peri chair stands as a symbol of respect for both cultural heritage and the environment. By uniting indigenous wisdom with innovative design, Luan Del Savio has created a piece that not only honors the past but also sets a standard for sustainable, meaningful furniture in the future.