The year 2024 has been a transformative period for Hévéa House, a French furniture company with a distinct vision. Rooted in sustainability and tropical elegance, Hévéa House has made it their mission to turn discarded rubberwood into timeless furniture pieces that honour both heritage and the environment. To learn more about their philosophy, challenges, and goals for the future, InteriorDaily spoke with Hévéa House, delving into their remarkable story.
Photo: Joyce (Left) and François Iglesia from Hévéa House.
'At Hévéa House, we craft unique designs inspired by tropical elegance and sustainable materials,' the company explained during the interview. Based in France, Hévéa House merges artistry with technical expertise to create furniture that meets the needs of modern living. Their hallmark? Sustainability, achieved through the innovative use of rubberwood—a byproduct of latex production, often discarded. This ethos allows Hévéa House to not only reduce waste but also create products that blend environmental stewardship with exceptional craftsmanship.
Hévéa House's philosophy is deeply tied to the adventures of French writer Henri Fauconnier in Malaysia. 'Our philosophy is a journey across time and borders, inspired by the story of the rubber tree—a narrative that spans continents and centuries,' the company shared. Fauconnier, captivated by the beauty and resilience of Malaysia's rubber plantations in the early 20th century, left a poetic legacy that continues to influence Hévéa House's designs. They carry forward this heritage, blending sustainability with elegance.
This connection to history is exemplified in their "Perriand Table," which draws inspiration from the iconic work of Charlotte Perriand while infusing Confucian ideologies into its design. Crafted from rubberwood and featuring three legs and three drawers, the table embodies Hévéa House's commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
Navigating an evolving industry
Hévéa House is also focused on establishing rubberwood as a respected material in the European furniture market. With impressive tensile strength and durability, rubberwood is a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods, but it remains underutilized in Europe. The company hopes to change that by showcasing the material's versatility in their innovative furniture designs.
Their production facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam are key to achieving this goal. By partnering with RK Resources Co. Ltd., a trusted manufacturer since the early 2000s, Hévéa House ensures stringent quality control and consistency across their operations. Joyce Lee, a Malaysian native now based in France, has played a pivotal role in bridging cultural differences, bringing decades of experience in the furniture industry to the table.
However, Hévéa House has not been immune to the challenges of the post-COVID-19 era. The company has had to navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape, marked by shifts in consumer behaviour and global market uncertainty. 'Innovation and sustainability remain our guiding principles,' Hévéa House emphasised. Their new multifunctional designs, such as the "Pelican Chair" and "Charlotte Bookshelf," reflect this adaptability, combining natural aesthetics with modern living needs.
Looking ahead
'While the world embraces smart technology and convenience, we believe there's still a place for designs that evoke emotion. Furniture should tell a story, encouraging people to pause, reflect, and connect with the craftsmanship behind it. ' The company commented on their vision for moving forward. Furthermore, as Hévéa House looks to the future, their primary focus is on expanding the reach of rubberwood furniture in Europe. With a deep respect for heritage and a commitment to sustainable practices, they are poised to continue telling the story of the rubber tree—one piece of furniture at a time.
More information:
SARL Hévéa House
[email protected]
www.heveahouse.fr
France