Design: Kubu Furniture Bringing Timber to Life

Kubu [Zambia]

Kubu is a proudly Zambian business whose aim is to ‘bring timber to life’. The beauty and craftsmanship of woodwork skills in Zambia are celebrated through the designs of Kubu, a furniture manufacturing company based in Livingstone, Zambia that seeks to reinterpret the artistry of traditional wood furniture through the use of contemporary design aesthetics and modern techniques.

I just love the look of the sleek, polished lines. Kubu is inspired by Africa’s natural beauty; embodying the energy, texture and soul within designs that would be especially familiar to anyone who has visited Southern Africa or spent time in some of the safari lodges within the region, as the company is recognised as a leading supplier to upmarket safari lodge industry. Mainly crafted out of indigenous Teak and Rosewood sourced from licensed environmentally responsible suppliers, the furniture is sturdy at times taking the forms of the wood it was crafted from; so expect natural imperfections in the grain which give the furniture is distinguishing characteristics.

Kubu is inspired by Africa’s natural beauty; embodying the energy, texture and soul within designs that would be especially familiar to anyone who has visited Southern Africa or spent time in some of the safari lodges within the region, as the company is recognised as a leading supplier to upmarket safari lodge industry. Mainly crafted out of indigenous Teak and Rosewood sourced from licensed environmentally responsible suppliers, the furniture is sturdy at times taking the forms of the wood it was crafted from; so expect natural imperfections in the grain which give the furniture is distinguishing characteristics.

[Image credit: Kubu – Design Africa]

Lucy Renew and Roelf Bosman established Kubu in 1997, starting out by furnishing and decorating upmarket lodges along the Upper Zambezi River. The company has since expanded to encompass three stores in Livingstone and a flagship store at Manda Hill Centre in Lusaka and operates its manufacturing process from a modern workshop outfitted with the latest woodworking equipment to ensure the continuous production of quality furniture and craftsmanship. Today Kubu has 75 staff including carpenters, welders, wireworkers, and carvers who all contribute their skills to the production of beautifully crafted furniture.

[Image credit: Kubu – Design Africa]

Kubu works with international volunteer organisations to help with the business’ expansion into the international export market; in addition to this the company also works closely with the Danish Organisation, Danida and P.U.M. in a program that has seen experts from the Netherlands come into the country to train lecturers at the local technical colleges; as well as training the staff at Kubu in all levels of furniture manufacture for export.