Geneva-based design firm Giona Bierens de Haan has unveiled the CEIBA collection, a furniture line inspired by the thorn-covered bark of the South American Ceiba tree. The whimsical series is accompanied by Swiss-Argentinian ceramist Angeles Rodriguez’s SOMBRA collection, which echoes the same organic, spiky textures.
A Nature-Inspired Aesthetic
The CEIBA collection incorporates natural elements with a playful, cartoonish touch. Crafted in contrasting oak stains and a vivid green finish, the furniture pieces reimagine the tree’s thorny surface in a modern, geometric style. The lineup includes vertical and horizontal shelves, four chairs, and a table, which together resemble a clustered thorn bush.
Ceramic Art Meets Furniture Design
Complementing the CEIBA furniture, Angeles Rodriguez’s SOMBRA series features black sandstone ceramics adorned with sharp protrusions, reinforcing the collection’s organic yet surreal aesthetic.
A Shift Towards Unique Collectible Design
This launch marks a departure from Giona Bierens de Haan’s usual architectural and sculptural work, reflecting a growing industry trend where design firms explore bespoke furniture and decor. As mass-produced pieces dominate the market, collectible design continues to attract enthusiasts seeking unique statement pieces.
Blending nature’s unpredictability with contemporary craftsmanship, Giona Bierens de Haan’s CEIBA collection offers a bold and imaginative approach to furniture design.
