Havwoods X Kaizen - a collaboration in craftsmanship
Project - Havwoods x Kaizen – The Collection (Ref 26A)
Location - London, UK
Product(s) - HW230108T White Oak Costato W3M5 Sheet | HW236203T Ebony Ondato Plus Sheet
Contractor - Kaizen Furniture Makers
A collaboration with British furniture makers Kaizen explores the creative possibilities of decorative wood veneers through two distinctive side tables. Featuring White Oak Costato and Ebony Ondato Plus from the Elegante Veneers collection, the designs combine Kaizen's precision craftsmanship with richly textured finishes, demonstrating how surface detailing can transform the character of contemporary furniture.
Celebrating 30 years of British craftsmanship
Renowned for creating bespoke interiors and furniture for prestigious residences and luxury yachts around the world, Kaizen Furniture Makers brings together traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Developed to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary, 'The Collection' is a range of side tables built around a distinctive infinity frame. Reflecting Kaizen's philosophy of continual improvement, the design allows different materials to be incorporated into the top and side panels, from traditional timber veneers to glass, stone and more.
To demonstrate the versatility of the design, Kaizen collaborated with us to explore how the distinctive textures of Elegante Veneers could bring a new dimension to the collection.
Two distinctive expressions of Elegante
The collaboration brings together two contrasting finishes from the Elegante Veneers collection each offering a different interpretation of the same furniture design.
White Oak Costato introduces a light, refined aesthetic, with closely spaced linear detailing creating a subtle rhythm across the side panels. Framed in antique brass, the pale finish emphasises the precision of the design, with the fine vertical lines adding texture and depth.
In contrast, Ebony Ondato Plus makes a bolder statement. Its rich, dark tones and deeply sculpted, wave-like profile create a striking interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the natural movement of the surface. The pronounced texture brings a sculptural quality to the table, while the darker frame complements the depth and variation of the veneer.
Although identical in form, the two tables have distinctly different characters, demonstrating the creative potential of decorative veneers when applied to bespoke furniture.
Where craftmanship meets surface design
The finished pieces highlight the relationship between material, form and craftsmanship. Kaizen's precise joinery and carefully proportioned frames allow the textured veneers to take centre stage, transforming a simple side table into a distinctive design feature.
From the fine linear detailing of White Costato to the sculptural depth of Ebony Ondato Plus, the collaboration illustrates how the thoughtful application of decorative wood veneers can elevate furniture design, offering designers new possibilities for introducing texture, pattern and individuality into interiors
“We wanted to demonstrate the versatility of our 'The Collection' side tables through materials that offered something different. The sculptural depth of Ebony Ondato Plus and the fine linear detailing of White Costato bring two completely different characters to the same design, highlighting the creative possibilities of decorative veneers.”
- David Butcher, Kaizen Furniture Makers -
