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The designer specified Douglas Fir for his prod-
ucts to take advantage of the spectacular propor-
tions and consistent quality this timber offers.
The use of this expressive wood adds an extra
dimension and intensity to the materiality of the
collection. Table One, at one meter wide and up
to almost 4 meters long, has a tabletop made from
just two planks of timber of outstanding propor-
tions. Bed One features a headboard made from
just five wide planks, the wood grain a continuous
flow to the platform base.
We use European Douglas fir grown in France. Due to
its strength, durability, and attractive straight
grain, this softwood has long been used for join-
ery and flooring. Douglas fir trees can grow to
very large sizes which, when regularly pruned,
results in impressively wide and long planks of
timber with consistent grain patterns. Planks of
the size and quality required for Manuel Aires
Mateus products are rare, and must be harvested
and prepared specially for us. Knots are natural-
ly present in this timber, lending character to
each plank. Finished with white oil and wax, the
natural pale colour, beauty, and tactility of the
timber is preserved.
