Subtle Additions – Introducing Sabu Studio

Crafting subtle additions to the interior environment, Sabu Studio proposes the virtues of honest materiality. From made-to-order furniture to bespoke lighting, the product offering is designed to fit into a layered, sophisticated scheme.

Established in 2020, Sabu Studio emerged with a rich history of design study undertaken by founder Sam Burns. Having been raised in Melbourne, Sam was familiar with Australian craftsmanship when he endeavoured to acquire a Bachelor of Fine Art. From there, he broadened his scope of interest to include industrial design, using the learning period to build upon his established skillset. Whilst working for Alex Earl – a Melbourne-based furniture and lighting designer – Sam honed his craft, developing a taste for the contemporary before founding Sabu Studio.

Established in 2020, Sabu Studio emerged with a rich history of design study undertaken by founder Sam Burns.

Offering a range of products, including custom lighting and furniture, Sabu Studio possesses a strong brand identity. “Sabu Studio aims to draw connotations to the natural environment,” explains Sam, he hopes “to introduce a sense of the natural world into interior spaces.” The products capture the spirit of their inspiration in elegant forms, often featuring slight curves. Primarily consisting of natural materials, the Sabu range also represents a holistic approach to ethical action. The studio only works with timber from sustainably-managed sources – the resulting products are timeless, durable and elevated pieces that entail longevity. As each item is made-to-order, Sabu Studio does not carry excess stock.

An award-winning collection, the Sabu Studio range features Arc Bench, Pinta Stool, Onu Floor Light and Onu Pendant. Arc Bench proposes a welcoming space for social interaction, and with an innovative form, the bench has received the 2021 VIVID award in the furniture category. Delicate curves at the far end of the product create a slightly concaved seat that cradles the body, whilst circular additions – counteracting the dipped structure – offer an alternative seated experience. In contrast to Arc Bench’s presentation, Pinta Stool explores the vertical plane. Applying a variety of complex joinery techniques to a singular piece, Sabu Studio crafts a coherent whole that showcases its height with dignity – each element smoothly transitions into the other.

The products capture the spirit of their inspiration in elegant forms, often featuring slight curves.

Onu Floor Light has received external recognition in the form of VIVID and IDEA awards in 2021. “I was interested in the idea of a single vertical length of timber spliced in half and opened up,” says Sam, in reference to the lighting piece. Inherently calming, the Onu Floor Light evokes the image of sunlight filtering between trees. To similar effect, Onu Pendant features branch-like forms extending out from a straight-line attachment, casting warm light. The pendant joins the list of critically-acclaimed Sabu Studio products, having received the 2021 LAMP award in the Professional Pendant Category.

Bridging the gap between us and nature-inspired objects, Sabu Studio softens the character of the 21st-century space. As customers embrace the studio’s offerings, they weave the soothing qualities of the outdoors into their own interior landscape.