THE STUDIO
DESIGNING
OBJECTS FOR
LASTING PRESENCE
KATACHI is a South African design studio creating architectural furniture through material exploration, precision fabrication and enduring design principles.
WHO WE ARE
KATACHI was established with a simple belief: furniture should be designed with the same level of thought, intention and permanence as architecture.
Every object begins as an exploration of proportion, material and purpose. Rather than following trends, we focus on creating timeless pieces that become lasting parts of the spaces they inhabit.
Our work combines architectural thinking, modern fabrication methods and craftsmanship to create furniture that feels both contemporary and enduring.
STUDIO METRICS
MEASURED THROUGH CRAFT, NOT VOLUME.
Every project is approached with the same level of precision and attention to detail, regardless of scale. These figures reflect our commitment to quality, craftsmanship and long-term client relationships.
1+
YEARS OF DESIGN
A growing portfolio of architectural furniture developed through continuous refinement and experimentation.
100%
HAND FINISHED
Every piece is carefully refined and completed through detailed hand-finishing processes.
3+
BESPOKE PIECES
Unique furniture commissions created for private residences and commercial environments.
3+
PRIVATE CLIENTS
Trusted collaborations built on craftsmanship, transparency and long-term relationships.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
GOOD DESIGN
SHOULD OUTLIVE
TRENDS.
We believe furniture should be designed to remain relevant for decades rather than seasons. Through careful material selection, considered proportions and timeless forms, we create objects that age with dignity.
Every decision is guided by a commitment to permanence, craftsmanship and architectural clarity. Rather than pursuing novelty, we focus on creating pieces that become lasting parts of the environments they inhabit.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
01
MONUMENTAL SCALE
Designed to command presence through proportion rather than ornament. Every object is conceived with architectural scale and visual weight.
02
PRECISION GEOMETRY
Every angle, intersection and edge is intentionally resolved to create clarity, balance and structural honesty.
03
RAW MATERIALS
We celebrate the natural character of timber, stone, steel and concrete, allowing materials to speak for themselves.
04
LASTING PRESENCE
Built to endure both physically and visually, each piece is designed to remain relevant for decades.
MATERIAL PALETTE
HONEST MATERIALS.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER.
Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) combines the raw character of concrete with advanced structural performance. Through the integration of alkali-resistant glass fibres, the material achieves exceptional strength while remaining significantly lighter than conventional concrete.
STEEL
GRAPHITE
SMOKE
CEMENT
GREY
WHITE
BEIGE
LIGHTWEIGHT
Up to 75% lighter than conventional concrete.
DURABLE
Engineered for long-term performance.
VERSATILE
Allows refined forms and precise detailing.
PROCESS
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION.
Every object undergoes a structured development process focused on proportion, material integrity and long-term performance.
01
CONSULTATION
Understanding the project, space, requirements and design intent.
02
CONCEPT
Sketches, references and spatial studies establish the design direction.
03
PROTOTYPE
Scale, geometry and structural performance are tested and refined.
04
FABRICATION
Materials are shaped, assembled and hand-finished with precision.
05
DELIVERY
Final installation and placement within the intended environment.
WHY GFRC
LIGHTER.STRONGER.
MORE VERSATILE.
GFRC allows us to push beyond the limitations of conventional concrete. Through advanced reinforcement technology, we are able to create refined architectural forms that combine structural integrity, durability and precision detailing while remaining practical for everyday use.
FOUNDER
DISCOVERING A
MATERIAL, BUILDING
A STUDIO.
KATACHI began with a fascination for craftsmanship rather than a business plan. Having worked with mosaic for many years, I was continually exploring new ways to create larger, more ambitious pieces while overcoming the limitations of traditional construction methods.
During that search, I discovered Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). What initially began as research into lighter casting methods quickly became an obsession with the material itself. Its ability to combine strength, precision and sculptural freedom opened up possibilities that conventional concrete could not offer.
The more I learned, the more I realised that GFRC was not simply a manufacturing technique—it was a medium for design. It allowed ideas to be expressed with greater clarity, refinement and permanence.
KATACHI was established from that discovery. Today, the studio continues to explore the intersection of architecture, materiality and craftsmanship through objects designed to endure both physically and aesthetically.
START A PROJECT
LET'S CREATE
SOMETHING
ENDURING.
Whether you're an architect, interior designer, developer or private client, we'd love to hear about your project and explore how KATACHI can contribute to it.
START A COMMISSION →OR EMAIL
INQUIRIES@KATACHI.CO.ZA
CUSTOM SIZES AND FINISHES AVAILABLE