“We aim to make minimalist and trendy projects that are inspired by Nepali culture and traditions. That is why our products are unique and attractive,” says Shuvekshya Joshi, manager at Metalwood, Nepal, a design studio and workshop located in Patan. Their primary focus is to create exclusive accessories, interior decoration items, and furniture. 

This studio was established in March 2016 by a set of creative designers, architects, and engineers. These committed individuals came together to collaborate and make unique homemade furniture and accessories. “The designs that we make are inspired by minimalism and functionality,” says Joshi. 

This studio is called Metalwood because they make furniture and accessories working primarily with metal and wood. As a team they celebrate and value local Nepali artisans and their skills. According to Joshi, local artificers handcraft all their products. “We value traditional knowledge and create accessories and furniture that are easy and comfortable to use,” she adds. 

They have a series of products and designs that display a blend of traditional Nepali aesthetics with modern designs and architecture. Their creatively designed lamps are made with brass and copper and are produced by Newar artisans in Patan. “Even our furniture lines have traditional names,” says Joshi. “To give them an authentic touch, we have named our furtniture Timila, Tuti, Teesa, Ayela, Khusi, Moti, etc and our lights are named Heraa, Baga, and Chwamu,” explains Joshi. 

Not only that, this team also aims to create spaces that are inspired by authentic Nepali designs. Till date, they have worked to create numerous working spaces and restaurants. After the earthquake, they also started constructing low cost housings in various affected areas. The designs were earthquake proof and helped many rebuild their lives. 

The furniture made by Metalwood are first ideated, designed, and created at their workshop. Then, as per the requests of their customers, these designs are manufactured in large scale. 

Metalwood also takes orders for custom-made furniture and designs. “Customers often come with their own ideas and expect us to work around it. And we design pieces according to their requirements as well. We also design rooms and houses reflecting Nepali culture,” she adds. 

Both local and foreign customers appreciate Metalwoods’ designs. Their range of products has shed a spotlight on the beauty of authentic Nepali craftsmanship and traditional knowledge. “We feel proud that, through our products, we are able to display the skills of Nepali artisans,” says Joshi. 

According to Joshi, Metalwood has been able to successfully utilize the available resources and provide employment to local artisans. At a time when many youths are going abroad in search of employment, Metalwood has become a perfect platform where skilled people are groomed and made capable enough to work in the own land. In the future, the architects, designers, and engineers of Metalwood plan to carry out extensive research on Nepali architecture and expand their traditional knowledge as well. They intend to blend modern and minimalist living with traditional skills in such a way that Nepal becomes one of the global contributors in the field of design.

 
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