Uniqwa Furniture pieces are the embodimentof raw, relaxed and, well, unique. Usingrecycled materials to bring its sophisticateddesigns to life, the company prides itself onnamed after the great South African Jazz Trumpeter,Hugh Masekela,’ Charl says. ‘It’s made from the verysustainable water hyacinth, which is an extremely‘I am loving our Masekela oversized lounger, being sustainable and socially responsible. fast growing invasive weed that can cover entire From banana leaves and driftwood to recycled waterways if left to grow uncontrollably.’ elm and plantation timber, the enormous catalogue Often harvested and thrown away to clear space showcases some of the most unexpected and let the light in to waterways, the water hyacinth transformations from natural waste to artistic, is as unusual and striking as it is eco-friendly when functional furniture. it comes to material choices. But using sustainable materials is simply second nature for founder and director Charl The materials inspiring the designs, van Heerden, who cites a number of benefits the designs inspiring the mood, and including environmental impact, character and the mood inspiring the lifestyle connectedness. ‘There are so many sustainable and renewable resources that don’t impact the environment ‘The lounger represents the perfect way to negatively,’ he says. ‘Using recycled materials is therelax at home: lounging in the outdoor living space responsible way to add beauty to our homes. with a great book and, of course, a tasty pale ale!’ ‘These types of materials often have even more he says. beauty because of the history and exposure to the Also available from Uniqwa are decorative wall elements,’ he adds. ‘They create such amazing hangings, animal-friendly throws and rugs, character that can’t be replicated by man.’ light fittings and more. The fusion of earthy roots meets modern living The Driftwood seems to work in an infinite loop of inspiration, with theElephant wall materials inspiring the designs, the designs inspiringhanging makes a Strand the mood, and the mood inspiring the lifestyle. beautiful, beachy Four Post ‘Our designs are inspired by nature and by raw statement while the Bed materials. Our products create calmness and Bindu pendant light relaxation in a room, yet maintain a sophistication – made from woven and functionality,’ Charl says. banana leaves – Fittingly, a lot of Uniqwa pieces come with adds a subtle, tribal interesting and distinctive backstories: touch to a room. Driftwood Elephant Masekela Oversized Lounger MAY 2018 HOUSING 71 INTERIORS