We often need to look at the past to shape the future.
Reflecting on environmental challenges, I began questioning how modern furniture is made. Many materials, like MDF and plywood, rely heavily on resins and glues that harm indoor air quality and human health. This inspired me to explore more sustainable, traditional methods.
I looked into the practices of the Orang Lauts, Singapore’s original inhabitants, known as the 'boat people.' They built sturdy Sampan boats that lasted years at sea. Curious, I contacted the Orang Laut Foundation but couldn’t find any Sampan boat makers in Singapore. My search then led me to Riau Island, specifically Tjombol Island near Sumatra, where descendants of the original boat makers still build wooden Sampans by hand.
My journey took me by ferry to Batam and then on a small boat to Tjombol Island. There, I observed how they joined wooden strips using dowels—no adhesives, just natural oils from the wood to maintain durability. When oil tankers introduced sludge to the area, they even adapted by repurposing it to seal their boats.
This traditional craftsmanship highlights how we can create sustainable, biodegradable furniture today. By using reclaimed wood—like old doors, windows, and discarded timber—combined with screws and natural oils instead of synthetic adhesives, we can build healthier furniture. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and can biodegrade without harming soil health.
Visiting these islands also revealed another pressing issue—rising sea levels. Many communities already face flooding, and further sea level rise could endanger their way of life. This highlights how interconnected our actions are.
As a furniture and materials industry, we must embrace healthier, sustainable practices—not just for human well-being but for the planet. Learning from the past can help us design a better future. Let’s innovate while staying rooted in traditions that respect nature.
#SustainableFurniture #SustainableMaterials #TraditionMeetsInnovation
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