Ideas4Wood International Contest
A leading international competition dedicated to wood surfaces, sustainability, and material experimentation.
IDEAS4WOOD INTERNATIONAL CONTEST: WOOD SURFACES, TEXTURES AND MATERIAL INNOVATION
Promoted by TABU in collaboration with FederlegnoArredo, the contest invites designers to explore new possibilities for wood veneers, textures, and surface technologies.
Projects are evaluated for creativity, industrial scalability, and material innovation.
Visualizza questo post su Instagram
INTAGLIO by Aigin Juhls (Norway)
Developed within the Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, “INTAGLIO” by Aigin Juhls, a Norwegian designer and student at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, won the 1st Special Prize Carpanelli – Student Category at the IDEAS4WOOD Award 2026, the international contest promoted by TABU.
Created to explore the expressive potential of wood and decorative surfaces, “INTAGLIO” reflects on the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design through a refined approach to materiality and production techniques.
Combining research, innovation and attention to detail, the project highlights the ability of young designers to reinterpret wood as a versatile and contemporary material, transforming its heritage into new possibilities for furniture and interior design.
UNFOLD by Mahra Mustafa
Developed within the Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, “UNFOLD” by Mahra Mustafa, a designer and student at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, won the 2nd Prize in the Decorative Surfaces TABU category at the IDEAS4WOOD Award 2026, the international contest promoted by TABU.
The project explores the expressive potential of wooden surfaces through a contemporary interpretation of material, texture and three-dimensionality. By combining research and experimentation, “UNFOLD” investigates new possibilities for decorative wood applications, transforming natural material into an innovative design language.
MORTISE by Gustav Craft (Sweden)
Developed within the Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, “MORTISE” by Gustav Craft, a Swedish designer and student at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, received a Special Mention at the IDEAS4WOOD Award 2026, the international contest promoted by TABU.
The project investigates the relationship between material, structure and craftsmanship, exploring new interpretations of wood through a contemporary design language.
Through a balance of precision, experimentation and respect for the natural qualities of the material, “MORTISE” demonstrates how traditional woodworking knowledge can be reimagined through innovative design approaches.
SHOJI by Gianmarco Festa (Italy)
Developed within the Bachelor’s Degree in Product Design, “SHOJI” by Gianmarco Festa, an Italian designer and student at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, received a Special Mention at the IDEAS4WOOD Award 2026, the international contest promoted by TABU.
Inspired by the principles of balance, modularity and material expression, “SHOJI” explores the potential of wood as a medium for creating contemporary design solutions.
The project combines a sensitive approach to materials with functional research, highlighting the role of experimentation and craftsmanship in shaping the future of furniture design.
BOREA by Aileen Bautista & Wanda De La Rosa (Domenican Republic)
Winner of First Prize in the University Student category, “Borea” explores perception and movement through a three-dimensional wood surface.
The project creates changing visual effects depending on the observer’s point of view, transforming wood veneer into an interactive spatial experience.
.gif)
WIDMAN by Artis Kristians Abikis
Awarded Third Prize, “Widman” focuses on geometric precision and contemporary surface styling.
The project demonstrates a refined understanding of industrial wood technologies while maintaining a clean and elegant visual language.
RAW ROOTS by Lillian Sims & Laura Marek
Winner of Third Prize in 2023, “Raw Roots” explores sustainable structures and low-impact materials through a flexible contemporary furniture concept.
The project combines environmental responsibility with a tactile and organic aesthetic.
ELEA by Ana Luisa Brugnara & Lucia Moraes
Recipient of both a Special Mention and the FSC® President’s Award, “ELEA” combines sustainable research with refined surface design.
The project reflects on how contemporary materials and ecological awareness can coexist within sophisticated furniture solutions.
.gif)