Wadi Screen
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting | PRODUCT DESIGN / Homeware & Decoration
Company Name:TheUrbanative
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Mpho Vackier
Design Team / Other designer(s):TheUrbanative
Other Contributor(s):Grey Room, Weluka
Manufacturer Name:TheUrbanative, Grey Room
Distributors Name:TheUrbanative
Client Name:TheUrbanative
Photo Credit:TheUrbanative
Project Location:Johannesburg/ Western cape
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Product Description:
The Wadi Screen emerges from an ongoing exploration of weaving, structure and material expression. Earlier works investigated the relationship between steel frameworks and cord weaving, while this piece extends that investigation through sculptural wool textures and colour stained timber, introducing a softer material dialogue within a clear architectural structure. The name Wadi comes from the Swahili word for valley and became the conceptual anchor for the piece after earlier design research into landscape, movement and travel. Like a valley shaped by terrain, the screen translates the idea of landscape into form through layered surfaces and shifting depth. At its centre, a woven wool panel uses natural and dyed yarns to build sculptural relief across the surface. The fibres gather in varying densities, forming ridges and subtle undulations that respond to light and evoke the contours of terrain. A steel frame traces the outline, establishing precision and rhythm, while a stained timber base introduces warmth and grounding as part of an ongoing exploration into colour treatments and timber finishing techniques.
The Wadi Screen emerges from an ongoing exploration of weaving, structure and material expression. Earlier works investigated the relationship between steel frameworks and cord weaving, while this piece extends that investigation through sculptural wool textures and colour stained timber, introducing a softer material dialogue within a clear architectural structure. The name Wadi comes from the Swahili word for valley and became the conceptual anchor for the piece after earlier design research into landscape, movement and travel. Like a valley shaped by terrain, the screen translates the idea of landscape into form through layered surfaces and shifting depth. At its centre, a woven wool panel uses natural and dyed yarns to build sculptural relief across the surface. The fibres gather in varying densities, forming ridges and subtle undulations that respond to light and evoke the contours of terrain. A steel frame traces the outline, establishing precision and rhythm, while a stained timber base introduces warmth and grounding as part of an ongoing exploration into colour treatments and timber finishing techniques.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The Wadi Screen demonstrates innovation through the reinterpretation of weaving as a sculptural design surface and through an experimental dialogue between materials. Building on earlier investigations of steel framed cord weaving, the piece introduces wool as a primary fibre, allowing the woven panel to move beyond flat textile construction into dimensional relief. Natural and dyed yarns are layered in varying densities so the surface forms ridges and soft contours that respond to light and shadow, creating a tactile topography that evokes landscape. A precise steel frame establishes structural clarity while containing the softer wool relief within it, creating a tension between architectural order and organic form. At the base, colour stained timber introduces warmth while reflecting ongoing experimentation with colour integrated directly into solid wood. The work also reflects cultural evolution, where traditional weaving knowledge is translated into contemporary materials, techniques and spatial forms.
The Wadi Screen demonstrates innovation through the reinterpretation of weaving as a sculptural design surface and through an experimental dialogue between materials. Building on earlier investigations of steel framed cord weaving, the piece introduces wool as a primary fibre, allowing the woven panel to move beyond flat textile construction into dimensional relief. Natural and dyed yarns are layered in varying densities so the surface forms ridges and soft contours that respond to light and shadow, creating a tactile topography that evokes landscape. A precise steel frame establishes structural clarity while containing the softer wool relief within it, creating a tension between architectural order and organic form. At the base, colour stained timber introduces warmth while reflecting ongoing experimentation with colour integrated directly into solid wood. The work also reflects cultural evolution, where traditional weaving knowledge is translated into contemporary materials, techniques and spatial forms.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The Wadi Screen follows a sustainability focused material approach through responsible sourcing and long life construction. The woven panel uses locally sourced wool, supporting regional fibre production while reducing transport related environmental impact. Wool is a renewable, biodegradable material with strong durability, allowing the piece to maintain longevity while remaining environmentally considerate. The structural frame is produced from recyclable steel, a material that can be reused repeatedly without loss of performance, supporting a circular material lifecycle. At the base, reclaimed timber is used, extending the life of existing wood resources and reducing demand for newly harvested material. The timber is finished with a water based stain, reducing harmful solvents while allowing the natural character of the wood to remain visible. Together these choices prioritise natural fibres, recycled metals and reclaimed materials, creating a piece that balances craft, durability and environmental responsibility.
The Wadi Screen follows a sustainability focused material approach through responsible sourcing and long life construction. The woven panel uses locally sourced wool, supporting regional fibre production while reducing transport related environmental impact. Wool is a renewable, biodegradable material with strong durability, allowing the piece to maintain longevity while remaining environmentally considerate. The structural frame is produced from recyclable steel, a material that can be reused repeatedly without loss of performance, supporting a circular material lifecycle. At the base, reclaimed timber is used, extending the life of existing wood resources and reducing demand for newly harvested material. The timber is finished with a water based stain, reducing harmful solvents while allowing the natural character of the wood to remain visible. Together these choices prioritise natural fibres, recycled metals and reclaimed materials, creating a piece that balances craft, durability and environmental responsibility.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The Wadi Screen creates local and regional impact through collaboration, material sourcing and craft based production. The woven panel was developed with Grey Room, bringing together design and textile making to explore wool weaving in a sculptural way. The wool is supplied by Weluka, a South African studio working with locally sourced natural fibres and supporting regional wool production. The remainder of the screen is produced within a single factory environment where multiple craftspeople contribute to its making. Steel fabrication, powder coating, carpentry and finishing are carried out in house, allowing different skills to come together in the production of one object while supporting local makers and material supply chains.
The Wadi Screen creates local and regional impact through collaboration, material sourcing and craft based production. The woven panel was developed with Grey Room, bringing together design and textile making to explore wool weaving in a sculptural way. The wool is supplied by Weluka, a South African studio working with locally sourced natural fibres and supporting regional wool production. The remainder of the screen is produced within a single factory environment where multiple craftspeople contribute to its making. Steel fabrication, powder coating, carpentry and finishing are carried out in house, allowing different skills to come together in the production of one object while supporting local makers and material supply chains.
Company Name:TheUrbanative
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Mpho Vackier
