KARA Bench
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Vitalli.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Ryan Olivier
Manufacturer Name:Vitalli.
Distributors Name:Vitalli.
Photo Credit:Vitalli.
Project Location:South Africa
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
The KARA Bench is the epitome of artisanal craftsmanship. A bold expression of sculptural form, it echoes the narrative of tectonic motion, as an asymmetrical chamfered timber top glides over three rhythmic, hand-chiselled sandstone bases. These monolithic bases are unearthed and sculpted by local artisans, revealing the stone’s natural texture and soul. The ash timber top introduces angular, asymmetrical facets - further accentuated through wire-brushing, bringing the grain and terrain-esque form to life. Every bench is handcrafted by South African artisans using locally sourced, sustainable materials. Empowering a broader ecosystem of skilled makers, it reflects a slower, more intentional way of producing. The KARA Bench is a reflection of a dedication to design and to the broader industry. It challenges conventional furniture norms through its compelling silhouette, grounded narratives, and conscious practices. More than a bench, KARA is a sculptural design heirloom - one that tells a story of locality, process, and the enduring power of craft.
The KARA Bench is the epitome of artisanal craftsmanship. A bold expression of sculptural form, it echoes the narrative of tectonic motion, as an asymmetrical chamfered timber top glides over three rhythmic, hand-chiselled sandstone bases. These monolithic bases are unearthed and sculpted by local artisans, revealing the stone’s natural texture and soul. The ash timber top introduces angular, asymmetrical facets - further accentuated through wire-brushing, bringing the grain and terrain-esque form to life. Every bench is handcrafted by South African artisans using locally sourced, sustainable materials. Empowering a broader ecosystem of skilled makers, it reflects a slower, more intentional way of producing. The KARA Bench is a reflection of a dedication to design and to the broader industry. It challenges conventional furniture norms through its compelling silhouette, grounded narratives, and conscious practices. More than a bench, KARA is a sculptural design heirloom - one that tells a story of locality, process, and the enduring power of craft.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The bench consists of an asymmetrically chamfered ash timber top, wire-brushed to accentuate the natural grain and bring the terrain-like quality of the material to life. Its angular geometry introduces a precise architectural language that contrasts with the grounded nature of the base elements. Supporting the timber plane are three solid sandstone volumes, locally unearthed and hand-chiseled to reveal the raw character of the material. Each base can be rotated in place, allowing the orientation of the stone to change and enabling the composition to shift subtly depending on how the elements are arranged. This introduces a level of personalisation while reinforcing the dynamic relationship between the masses. A deliberate tension is created between the raw, irregular surfaces of the hand-chiseled sandstone and the disciplined precision of the timber’s geometric chamfers, establishing a clear dialogue between craft, material and form. The piece challenges conventional expectations of the traditional bench, referencing a more primitive and elemental approach to seating where material and form remain closely tied to their origins.
The bench consists of an asymmetrically chamfered ash timber top, wire-brushed to accentuate the natural grain and bring the terrain-like quality of the material to life. Its angular geometry introduces a precise architectural language that contrasts with the grounded nature of the base elements. Supporting the timber plane are three solid sandstone volumes, locally unearthed and hand-chiseled to reveal the raw character of the material. Each base can be rotated in place, allowing the orientation of the stone to change and enabling the composition to shift subtly depending on how the elements are arranged. This introduces a level of personalisation while reinforcing the dynamic relationship between the masses. A deliberate tension is created between the raw, irregular surfaces of the hand-chiseled sandstone and the disciplined precision of the timber’s geometric chamfers, establishing a clear dialogue between craft, material and form. The piece challenges conventional expectations of the traditional bench, referencing a more primitive and elemental approach to seating where material and form remain closely tied to their origins.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The piece is produced through a craft-driven process that supports local artisans and traditional making techniques. Each bench is handcrafted in South Africa using locally sourced natural materials, contributing to a broader ecosystem of skilled makers and encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to production. Solid sandstone bases are carved from locally unearthed stone blocks, while the ash timber top is sourced from responsibly managed suppliers. These materials are selected for their durability and long-term performance, ensuring the piece can remain in use for generations. The design embraces the natural ageing of materials. Over time, the timber and stone develop a patina that records the life of the object, allowing each piece to acquire its own distinct character. This approach positions the bench as a design heirloom, created to be passed down through generations. By prioritising longevity, craft and natural material integrity, the work rejects the logic of mass-consumerism and disposable culture.
The piece is produced through a craft-driven process that supports local artisans and traditional making techniques. Each bench is handcrafted in South Africa using locally sourced natural materials, contributing to a broader ecosystem of skilled makers and encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to production. Solid sandstone bases are carved from locally unearthed stone blocks, while the ash timber top is sourced from responsibly managed suppliers. These materials are selected for their durability and long-term performance, ensuring the piece can remain in use for generations. The design embraces the natural ageing of materials. Over time, the timber and stone develop a patina that records the life of the object, allowing each piece to acquire its own distinct character. This approach positions the bench as a design heirloom, created to be passed down through generations. By prioritising longevity, craft and natural material integrity, the work rejects the logic of mass-consumerism and disposable culture.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The piece is produced through a network of South African artisans specialising in stone carving and timber fabrication. The sandstone bases are locally unearthed and hand chiseled, while the ash timber is sourced through responsible regional supply chains. Using regional materials reduces reliance on international transportation. The craft driven fabrication process encourages a slower, more intentional mode of production, supporting local economies, preserving specialised making knowledge within the community and contributing to the international visibility of contemporary South African collectible design.
The piece is produced through a network of South African artisans specialising in stone carving and timber fabrication. The sandstone bases are locally unearthed and hand chiseled, while the ash timber is sourced through responsible regional supply chains. Using regional materials reduces reliance on international transportation. The craft driven fabrication process encourages a slower, more intentional mode of production, supporting local economies, preserving specialised making knowledge within the community and contributing to the international visibility of contemporary South African collectible design.
Company Name:Vitalli.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Ryan Olivier
Profile Description:
Vitalli. is a collectible design brand which speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty in imperfection - where precision meets intuition, and form follows feeling. Vitalli. fosters a dialogue between presence, absence, permanence and change - designed to be lived with & evolve over time. Each moment is meticulously crafted, with passion, precision and an uncompromising attention to detail – for those with an eye for the exceptional.
Vitalli. is a collectible design brand which speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty in imperfection - where precision meets intuition, and form follows feeling. Vitalli. fosters a dialogue between presence, absence, permanence and change - designed to be lived with & evolve over time. Each moment is meticulously crafted, with passion, precision and an uncompromising attention to detail – for those with an eye for the exceptional.
Previous Awards Won:
Member of Scape 100 2026 Winner of Scape Masterpiece of the Year Shortlisted for Scape Maker of the Year Winner of Cape Town Furniture Week Best in Show
Member of Scape 100 2026 Winner of Scape Masterpiece of the Year Shortlisted for Scape Maker of the Year Winner of Cape Town Furniture Week Best in Show
