With its roots in director Ian Perry’s love of design and the natural world, local wood manufacturer Homewood is a pioneering force in sustainable wood furniture design. With an unwavering commitment to quality, design excellence, job creation and preserving our planet’s precious resources, Homewood is proof that luxury and sustainability can go together.

With a deep understanding of the ecological impact of design choices, Homewood takes a visionary approach to their craft. By utilising alien-invasive woods wreaking havoc on South African indigenous environments, the manufacturer not only aids in removing these species – which cause harm to natural waterways – but gives purpose to perfectly good timber, transforming it into exquisite pieces of furniture.

These alien wood species include blackwood, river red gum, sugar/spotted gum, camphor and cottonwood. While acquiring this alien wood is more complicated than plantation-grown timber, thanks to a partnership with the Working for Water Programme (WFW), it is possible.

WFW – an initiative of the Western Cape Government – seeks to tackle the issue of alien invasive woods and their destruction of natural environments. As of 2022, 100 224 000 litres of water have been saved from Homewood and WFW’s collaboration (the equivalent of approximately 40 0896 Olympic-sized swimming pools).

Homewood not only seeks to repurpose this timber but celebrates its intrinsic beauty in every furniture design. The knots and variations in the grain tell the unique story of the tree, with one light ring and one dark ring representing a year of the tree’s life and testifying to the resilience and history of the tree. No part of the wood is wasted, with off-cuts utilised in Homewood’s ‘smalls’ range, including various serving boards and even planters.

Homewood’s approach to sustainability extends beyond their choice and treatment of materials; it is also reflected in their commitment to local job creation. Every piece of Homewood furniture is lovingly handcrafted in the Lidgetton community, located in the KZN Midlands. Homewood is one of the biggest employers in the community, a role that Ian and his team take very seriously. All factory staff are provided with training and are continually upskilled on their Homewood journey. This commitment to training ensures that every creation is crafted with excellence and meets the highest durability standards.

The beauty of this is that every Homewood purchase not only gives back to the environment but is interwoven with the story of a whole community.

So, as we each navigate the path towards a more sustainable future, Homewood stands as an example of what is possible. With each handcrafted piece of furniture, Homewood invites you to embrace a lifestyle in harmony with nature, where design and sustainability intertwine to create spaces that inspire, enliven, and leave a lasting positive impact on the world we call home.