The Weave Curio Shelf is not just a piece of furniture; it's a statement. Its unique properties lie in the method of winding leather pieces through the pillars, creating a structure that resembles a real weave. This feature is particularly noticeable when viewed from behind, where the soft texture of the leather and the lightness of the wooden slabs create a visually appealing contrast.
But the Weave Curio Shelf is not just about aesthetics. It's also about durability and functionality. The wooden materials undergo a drying process to withstand thermal expansion and contraction. The bottom of the slabs has wooden beam addons joint by mortise-tenon technique, enhancing the basic durability of the frame. The leather pieces, double sole, are stitched together using the needle method for making handmade leather wares, setting the Weave apart from many leather furniture currently available in the market.
The Weave Curio Shelf is also versatile. With dimensions of 1830mm in width, 300mm in depth, and 1800mm in height, it can hold a variety of items, from china and metal wares to painting brushes and papers. It can be placed in a meeting room, kitchen, or studio, serving as a space divider without breaking the visual connection of the separated parts.
The creation of the Weave Curio Shelf was a month-long process. The frame part, consisting of the pillars and slabs, was produced in Suyab Design's own factory, while the leather pieces were outsourced to a leather good manufacturer. Despite the challenges posed by thermal expansion and contraction, the design team was able to overcome these with the drying process of woods and adding accessories to the leathers.
The Weave Curio Shelf is not just a testament to Jo Zhu's creativity and craftsmanship, but also to the potential of design to transform spaces. It was awarded the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2017, a recognition given to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. With its unique weaving structure and multifunctionality, the Weave Curio Shelf is indeed a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Project Designers: Jo Zhu
Image Credits: Wang Zao-Hui
Project Team Members: Jo Zhu (Designer) and Suyab Faculties
Project Name: Weave
Project Client: Jo Zhu