Canoe: A Stylish and Comfortable Cat Bed

Bringing Ethnic Charm to Your Feline Friend's Naptime

Cats spend an average of 16 hours each day curled up in slumber, and when it comes to sleep, they look for any comfortable place. They are extremely attracted to "fique" or "sisal" and can't resist the temptation of having direct contact with it. Canoe, designed by Paula Gomez Serrano, is a cat bed that combines style, comfort, and ethnic charm.

Canoe is made from fique, a natural fiber that is still spun by hand and then knitted into an exceptional fabric by artisans from a Colombian rural region. The unique shape of the bed is created by gracefully folding and securing the opposite sides of the fabric with leather cords intertwined, forming x-shaped stitches. This design not only provides a cozy and secure space for your feline friend but also adds a touch of elegance to your home.

The use of fique as the primary material for Canoe is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly. Fique is a sustainable and biodegradable fiber, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious pet owners. The hand-knitted textile is complemented by leather cords, hand-woven mini balls, beach stones, metallic rattle, and felt balls, adding texture and visual interest to the design.

Designed with both the comfort of your cat and the beauty of your home in mind, Canoe is the perfect addition to any modern interior. Its dimensions of 650mm width, 360mm depth, and 80mm height ensure that it can accommodate cats of various sizes. Simply place Canoe on the floor or above the sofa, and your cat will instinctively jump inside, ready for a peaceful nap.

Paula Gomez Serrano, the designer behind Canoe, drew inspiration from her research on indigenous design principles. After spending a year conducting fieldwork with indigenous communities throughout Colombia, she published the book "Principles of Indigenous Design" and has been applying these design fundamentals to her pieces ever since. Canoe is a testament to her commitment to cultural exchange and the empowerment of artisans through design.

Canoe was created in the Santander Region of Colombia and completed in the Miami Ft. Lauderdale area in August 2015. Throughout the design process, the project faced challenges such as fique exportation laws and the management of the width restrictions of the knitted textile. However, these obstacles were overcome, and Canoe now stands as a unique and innovative cat bed that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Recognized for its outstanding design, Canoe was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Pet Care, Toys, Supplies, and Products for Animals category in 2016. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contribute to quality of life improvements, and make the world a better place. Canoe's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology truly sets it apart.