Product materials
Capiz shells
Capiz shells are primarily found in the shallow coastal waters around Indonesia and the Philippines. They are a byproduct of the mollusk industry and are sustainably harvested without harming ecosystems.
Care:
Gentle cleaning is essential to preserve your capiz products.
- Dusting: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or a feather duster to prevent dust buildup. Do not use a vacuum cleaner!
- Cleaning: If necessary, gently wipe the shells with a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild soap solution. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents, as these will damage the material.
- Moisture control: Ensure that the shells do not become soaked and prevent water from entering seams or cracks.
- UV light control: Keep capiz objects out of direct, bright sunlight to prevent fading or brittleness over time.
- Repair: Because the shells are delicate, they must be handled with care, especially the gold-colored capiz shells. They get their beautiful golden color not from paint, but from a preparation process using microwave radiation. This makes the golden color much more beautiful, but also makes the shells more fragile!
Rattan
Rattan is a natural, flexible and durable material derived from the rattan palm. It is widely used for lamps, furniture, baskets and decorative items.
Properties:
- Durable: Rattan stems can grow hundreds of meters long and are among the strongest and most flexible natural materials. Despite its strength, rattan is surprisingly light
- Natural Look: The material has a warm, natural look that suits a variety of interior styles, from bohemian to modern
- Eco-friendly: Rattan is an ecologically sustainable material. Rattan grows very quickly (faster than wood) and requires no pesticides or fertilisers
- Moisture Resistance: With a special pre-treatment, rattan is also suitable for outdoor use
Maintenance:
Rattan generally requires little maintenance. Regular dusting with a vacuum cleaner is sufficient.
- Cleaning: A damp cloth can be used for stubborn dirt
- Moisture Control: If you hang a rattan lamp outside, spray it thoroughly with a clear coat twice
- UV Light Protection: Rattan can discolour due to UV rays and sunlight; prevent this with UV-protective varnish
- Repair: If a rattan stem is damaged, for example during a move, we can supply repair materials (if you also purchased the lamp from us)
Seagrass
Seagrass is a strong, natural and environmentally friendly material that is known for its durability and resistance to wear. It is naturally biodegradable and has a low environmental impact.
Properties:
- Durable: Seagrass fibers are extremely strong, making products made from this material last a long time
- Natural appearance: The material has a unique, often slightly shiny, natural aesthetic
- Environmentally friendly: As a plant, seagrass contributes to a better environment by absorbing CO2 up to 35 times faster than rainforests, making it a highly ecologically responsible choice
Maintenance:
The maintenance of seagrass products requires specific attention due to the natural, moisture-sensitive fibers.
- Dusting: Use a vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and, if necessary, a brush to remove fine dirt and dust from between the fibers
- Moisture control: Although the material comes from an aquatic plant, it can no longer withstand (prolonged) exposure to moisture after the drying process. If necessary, allow the material to ventilate or dry out sufficiently
- Cleaning: Clean carefully with a mild cleaning agent and cold water, but use as little moisture as possible. For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda or soda over the stain, let it soak in for 30 minutes, and then carefully vacuum it up. Do not have it dry-cleaned
Water hyacinth
Water hyacinth is a natural, sustainable weaving material derived from the stems of the water plant of the same name. This fast-growing plant is considered an invasive exotic species. The plant is dried and processed into strong, flexible fibres.
Properties:
- Durable: Its fibrous nature makes it surprisingly durable, and woven products can last for years with proper care
- Natural appearance: The material has a rustic, natural appearance that suits a variety of interior styles
- Environmentally friendly: Using this invasive plant turns an environmental problem into a valuable, 100% biodegradable product and provides an important source of income for local artisans in countries where the plant grows abundantly
Care:
The material is relatively easy to maintain, but should be protected from moisture.
- Dusting: Use a soft cloth, feather duster or the soft brush on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt
- Cleaning: Use a slightly damp cloth (or a mild solution of natural soap) to gently blot away stains. Do not rub too hard, as this may damage the fibres. Do not use harsh cleaning products
- Moisture control: Although the material comes from an aquatic plant, it can no longer withstand (prolonged) exposure to moisture after the drying process. If necessary, allow the material to ventilate and/or dry
- UV light control: Prolonged exposure to bright, direct sunlight / UV light can cause the natural colour to fade and/or make the fibres brittle over time
Teak wood
Teak is known as a durable and robust hardwood with a naturally oily density, making it highly resistant to various weather conditions and moisture.
Properties:
- Durability: Naturally highly durable due to its density and the presence of oils and resins
- Natural appearance: Teak has a golden-brown colour, with a smooth grain and texture. Outdoors, the wood will naturally grey over time due to UV radiation, which is appreciated by many
- Moisture-resistant: It is highly resistant to warping, rot, fungi and insects, making it a popular choice for garden furniture
Maintenance:
Teak requires little maintenance. You can influence its lifespan and appearance with the right care.
- Cleaning: use a mild soapy solution of green soap and water for a thorough cleaning. The oily properties of the soap replenish the natural oils in the wood. Stubborn stains and algae deposits can be removed with a paste of lemon juice and fine salt or baking soda, or a mixture of white vinegar and water, followed by gentle scrubbing. For heavily weathered or stained wood, sanding with fine-grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain may be necessary to restore the surface. Never use a pressure washer, as this can damage the wood
- Moisture control: although teak is suitable for outdoor use, always ensure that, for example, the legs of teak furniture never stand directly on damp ground or in water
- UV light control: If you like the natural silver-grey patina, no treatment is necessary. The wood is naturally protected. If you want to preserve the original golden-brown colour and prevent greying, you can treat the wood with a special teak oil or teak sealer. Apply this after cleaning according to the manufacturer's instructions
Keep in mind that teak can react to weather conditions. During dry periods, occasional spraying with water can prevent cracking. Wood is and remains a natural product; the normal behaviour of wood is precisely what gives it a beautiful appearance.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a highly versatile and sustainable material used in a wide range of applications. It is actually a type of grass, but it is often used as a substitute for wood due to its strength and rapid growth rate. Bamboo has impressive tensile strength, often stronger than many types of steel or traditional woods.
Properties:
- Sustainability: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Some species can grow almost a meter per day. This makes it a highly renewable resource, unlike hardwood
- Flexibility: The material is naturally flexible, allowing it to be bent or woven into various shapes without breaking
- Environmentally friendly: As a natural material, it is fully biodegradable and often requires no pesticides or fertilizers to grow
Care:
- Dusting: Dust and dirt can be easily removed with a soft cloth, feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Cleaning: Use mild soap solutions or special bamboo cleaners. Harsh chemical cleaning products or abrasive sponges can damage the surface.
- Moisture control: Although bamboo is moisture-resistant, it is not suitable for prolonged exposure to water or high humidity, as this can lead to warping, mold, or rot
- UV light control: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause bamboo to fade or become brittle. Untreated bamboo will naturally turn gray within a few months to a year due to UV radiation and moisture. To preserve the original color and extend its lifespan, outdoor bamboo should be treated with an oil or stain that has UV-protective properties
- Hand washing: Wash bamboo by hand only and not in the dishwasher. Let the items air dry completely after washing before storing them. To protect bamboo from moisture, drying out, and cracking, you can periodically treat cutting boards and bowls with a food-safe mineral oil or beeswax
