Our Materials
The Story of Our Materials
OMBAI’s connection to materials is a sensory experience, a journey through Nature’s textures, forms, and stories. Each piece we create is a testament to our commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and to the raw beauty of natural materials.
From the rich warmth of wood to the intricate weaves of rattan and fibers, we celebrate the union of Nature and human hands. Explore the materials that bring our collections to life, offering aesthetics and a sensory engagement with the world around us.
1. The Soul of Wood
Certified Teak Wood
Our Indonesian teak is more than just wood; it’s a relationship with the earth. Sourced from responsibly managed plantations and carrying the Indonesian Legal WoodⓇ certification, our teak is harvested with care, ensuring that each tree is replaced to maintain the balance of the forest. Known for its rich color and extraordinary durability, teak is a wood that transcends time. As you touch the smooth surface of a teak table or chair, you feel the craftsmanship in every curve, the integrity in every joint—a reflection of our dedication to quality, with OMBAI using the highest grade teak coming from 28+ year trees.
Suar Wood
Suar is the epitome of natural beauty. Its bold, swirling grain is a visual masterpiece that immediately captivates the eye. With its robust nature, suar wood is making it perfect for statement pieces that are as functional as beautiful. Each cut of suar is a tribute to Nnature's unpredictability, with patterns that vary from piece to piece, making each creation uniquely yours. Feel the weight of its solid form, smell the earthiness of the wood, and let it ground your home in a connection to Nature’s serenity.
Recycled Teak Wood
Our reclaimed and recycled teak wood is a story of renewal. OMBAI’s reclaimed teak is salvaged from old structures, each plank carrying the wisdom of time, with deep grains and weathered textures that speak of its past. As you run your hand along its surface, you feel the history beneath your fingers, as well as the natural oils that give teak its legendary durability and its ability to age gracefully. This wood anchors your space and tells a story of sustainability, embodying our commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
2. Natural Fibers in Harmony
Rattan
Ubiquitous to Southeast Asia, our rattan is handwoven into elegant dining chairs, furniture pieces and ceiling lamps, each of which provides a fusion of strength and flexibility. The natural fibers, dried using traditional methods, carry the warmth of the sun, making every rattan piece feel alive in your space. Whether it’s a lamp casting soft, natural light or a chair inviting you to sit and relax, rattan evokes the lightness and simplicity of Nature, offering both beauty and sustainability.
Water Hyacinth & Banana Fiber
For our baskets and poofs, we turn to water hyacinth and banana fiber—natural materials that speak to our love for Nature the earth. Handwoven by skilled artisans, these fibers form intricate patterns that are as tactile as they are visual. Imagine running your fingers over the textured surfaces of a water hyacinth basket, feeling the intertwining of Nature’s materials. OMBAI baskets and poofs are practical and an homage to the land, bringing the serenity of natural landscapes into your home.
Mendong
Our mendong rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are a connection to local Javanese environments from which they are sourced. The feel of the woven fibers underfoot, the gentle fragrance of Mendong grass harvests — Discover mendong, a completely sustainable material of high quality and multipurpose usage that is harvested by hand by local villagers accross the indonesian island of Java.
Seagrass
Our seagrass items are a connection to the coastal environments from which their material is sourced. The breezy look and feel, the gentle fragrance of the sea — it’s a sensory reminder of Nature’s resilience and beauty. Each piece is a woven story of craftsmanship, durability, and a commitment to using materials that are gentle on the earth.
3. Artisanal Accessories
Mungur Wood
Mungur wood, with its light tones and fine grain, brings elegance to your dining and kitchenware. Each plate, bowl, spoon, and cutting board is crafted with care, transforming simple moments into sensory experiences. Imagine the cool feel of a mungur wood serving platter as you lay it on your table, the smooth surface accentuating the natural beauty of your meal. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of Nature’s abundance.
Metal Mesh
For our lamps, we introduce metal mesh—a modern material that adds contrast to our organic forms. The interplay of light and shadow through the mesh creates a dynamic visual effect, making it a sculptural element in any room. The cool touch of metal against your fingertips, the industrial edge softened by natural surroundings—it’s a perfect fusion of craftsmanship and contemporary design.
4. Textiles with a Story
Cotton & Raffia
Our cushions are crafted from cotton and raffia, natural fibers that bring softness and texture to your living spaces. The cool touch of cotton invites relaxation, while the rougher, earthy texture of raffia adds an element of rustic charm. These materials are not just functional; they are a sensory journey, transforming your cushions into pieces that beg to be touched, embraced, and lived with.
Alang-Alang grass
For some of our décor items, we use alang-alang grass - they showcase the slightly crazy, untamed beauty of Nature. Its natural fibers radiate warmth, turning this object into a piece of crafmanship that engages both sight and touch. The rustic bamboo stems invite to reach out and feel the rawness of Nature, bringing an earthy, grounding energy into your home.
OMBAI chooses each material with purpose and care, not only for their beauty but for the way it engages our senses and tells the story of the natural world. From the tactile warmth of wood to the intricate weaves of fibers, we invite you to explore the materials that make our creations so much more than furniture — they are a sensorial experience, crafted for those who appreciate Nature's beauty and craftsmanship's artistry.