Canela for Two: A Modern Twist on Traditional Seating

Renata Gutierrez and James Rowland's Award-Winning Bench Design

The Canela for Two is a visually striking two-seater bench, designed to offer support while maintaining a subtle and non-imposing design. The low backrest, made from copper, is a nod to the traditional Windsor chair, a design easily recognized by many. This blend of modern and traditional elements sets the Canela for Two apart from other seating designs.

The bench was handmade from solid hardwoods using traditional woodworking methods. The wood used is reclaimed Canela Preta, salvaged from an old colonial house. The designers have incorporated the Japanese method of Kintsukuroi, using copper rings to cover the holes where nails were hammered in over 200 years ago. This detail adds a touch of history and uniqueness to the bench.

From a technical perspective, the bench measures 960mm in width, 450mm in depth, and 610mm in height. The joinery posed a challenge for the designers, as they aimed to maintain a delicate structure for a light and minimal appearance. They overcame this challenge by using a combination of finger joints and wedged mortise and tenons, providing the bench with a rigid and highly resistant structure.

The Canela for Two was conceived and realized in Paraty, Brazil in 2017. It comfortably seats two people while supporting the lower back. The designers carried out extensive research into various aspects of the bench's design, testing the position of the backrest to find an ideal height for the average person without causing discomfort.

The bench's design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The copper rings with wooden centres used to fill the nail holes provide a subtle yet striking feature, matching the copper supports used in the backrest. This detail, along with the bench's overall design, led to it being awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2018.

In conclusion, the Canela for Two by Renata Gutierrez and James Rowland is a testament to innovative design, combining traditional elements with modern aesthetics. It is a piece that not only serves its function but also tells a story, making it a worthy winner of the prestigious A' Furniture Design Award.