We have chosen wood that comes from far away and they are the result of an encounter, sought after and under the emblem of exchange and mutuality. The production of solid wood furniture, which began in 2005, started together with the chance to work with the native communities in Bolivia, the protagonist of a new political and cultural era which involved them in development and change and gives the native communities back the ownership of natural resources. Half of Bolivia’s territory is covered by tropical forests- in this case 1,000,000 acres- which are certified according to ecological and ethical criteria.
These are the reasons why Totem began to work with Bolivia, manufacturing two lines of products, one in the tropical region in Santa Cruz, and one in the Andes, in Cochabamba.
The community of Urubichà has been involved in the realization of our fabric accessories (LINK), produced according to their own esthetics.

plywood products :

Furniture made from Birch or Yesquero plywood (Cariniana ianeirensis).
Plywood is obtained by layering diverse layers of wood with the fibers running perpendicular to each other. The components of the furniture are then cut from these standard-sized panels. In our case, the panels we use are “E1” certified, which guarantees that the formaldehyde content in the glues used are limited by precise parameters defined by the current ecological regulations.

 

All of the TOTEMBUILD components as well as a few of the other products are laser cut from birch plywood. This technology leaves a charachteristic black edge due to the burning of the laser as it cuts the wood.

Birch and Yesquero have similar colorings and veinings (chromatic veining and markings), and can be used together.

All of out plywood products can be colored: see FINISHES

solid wood products:

Solid wood means natural wood. After being cut, the wood is dried and then prepared for use. All of the wood we use comes from sustainable forests where the harvesting is planned and controlled by local authorities which certify that the specific ecosystem conditions are protected:see WHAT IS ECOFRIENDLY FURNITURE

All of our solid wood products are made of two essences which come from te temperate forests in the Amazonian region of Bolivia.

ROBLE

is in the Papilionoideae family, and grows to an average height of 30 meters.
The wood has an intense, pleasing smell.
The veining and color recall European Rovere or North American Oak.
It is a porous, richly veined wood, especially when the components are cut by slicing the trunk tangentially.
The furniture made from this wood is finished with beeswax which enhances the colorations and does not cover the veining.
Roble is a strong and stable wood, the joints are particularly sturdy and robust.

TAJIBO

comes from the family of the Bignoniaceae, and grows to an average height of 25 meters.
In the forest it is easy to spot thanks to its large, purple flowers.
The wood is highly dense, thus it is very heavy. The pores are generally closed, creating a very compact appearance to the wood.
The dark brown surface is richly veined, varying from black to light brown.
Working this wood requires experience and skill, given its hardness. Certain components require the use of special tools.
The essential oils it contains make it waterproof, and thus it is particularly appropriate for use outdoors.
A piece of furniture made from Tajibo weighs double what the same piece of furniture would weigh if made from regular European wood!