South African designer-maker studio Houtlander will present its timber furniture collections during Cape Town Furniture Week, highlighting its integration of traditional joinery and advanced CNC manufacturing.
Founded in 2010 by Phillip Hollander, Houtlander began as a small-scale workshop operating from his father's garage before developing into a Johannesburg-based manufacturing facility employing nearly 70 people. The company operates as a designer-maker studio and furniture manufacturer, focusing on timber furniture for residential and contract interiors.
© Houtlander
'Houtlander began as a passion project,' Phillip said. 'That hands-on, maker-driven origin continues to shape the brand's identity, rooted in authentic craft, experimentation, and a deep respect for materials.'
The studio works primarily with sustainably harvested American Oak and integrates traditional woodworking methods with 5-axis CNC technology. Designs are developed through a combination of manual craftsmanship and CAD-programmed machining, enabling both precision and scalability within production. According to Phillip, this approach allows the company 'to push creative boundaries while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of hand-crafted timber furniture.'
Houtlander's production model combines design and manufacturing in-house, applying LEAN principles and continuous process optimisation. Products are engineered for long service life, with an emphasis on durability and resource efficiency. 'Design and production are tightly integrated to reduce waste and energy usage,' Phillip explained. 'Products are engineered with durability in mind, reducing the need for replacements.'
At Cape Town Furniture Week, the company will exhibit a broad selection of its range, including the Spindle Back Diner, Coronation Bench, Server Wall Unit and Spindle Couches. Rather than focusing on a single launch piece, the presentation will centre on a cohesive overview of the collection. 'Our presence is centred on connection rather than presentation,' Phillip noted. 'The fair offers us a chance to engage, whether reconnecting with past clients, meeting current ones, or welcoming those discovering us for the first time.'
© Houtlander
Collaboration forms part of the studio's development strategy. Partnerships with South African designers and craftspeople, including Dokter & Misses, MashT and Joe Paine, have expanded the material and technical scope of its collections. These cross-disciplinary projects incorporate weaving, ceramics and other craft traditions into timber-based furniture systems.
Houtlander has previously received industry recognition, including the 100% Design Best Furniture Design Award and South African Designer of the Year, and has exhibited internationally in Paris and Milan. Phillip views this exposure as part of a broader positioning strategy. 'International exhibitions reinforce the global relevance of South African design and encourage us to continue refining traditional craftsmanship while competing internationally.'
Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its international presence while continuing to invest in sustainable manufacturing and local craft traditions. 'We want to produce culturally resonant, globally competitive designs that remain timeless while rooted in a uniquely South African narrative,' Phillip said.
Houtlander's participation in Cape Town Furniture Week positions the studio within the wider dialogue on timber innovation, sustainable production and contemporary African design in the global interiors market.
More information:
Houtlander
Unit A6, Robertville Mini Factories
255 Nadine Street, Robertville, Roodepoort, 1709
010 447 6509
[email protected]
www.houtlander.co.za
South Africa
