INNOVATION TECHNOLOGYInnoTechHUB
Research
Rethinking Design Practical Element and Aesthetic Value of Furniture Design
Pucuk Rebung Coffee Table
The Pucuk Rebung Table is a coffee table that is versatile for any space and features premium quality materials with a unique high-style design. Consumers don't buy furniture without a reason; they buy it because they want to be happy and believe that their personalities can be reflected through the products they choose and use. The Pucuk Rebung motifs are engraved on the table top to resemble iconic Malay textile art with a strong historical essence. The designers also incorporated the symbol of Pucuk Rebung (Bamboo Shoot) into the coffee table design to meet functional purposes and appeal to emotions and taste. In general, designing furniture that is inspired by symbolic forms usually involves both realistic and abstract shapes.



Bunga Teratai Pecah Empat
Bunga Teratai Pecah Empat is an occasional chair designed to add a unique character to the living area. The designers have incorporated the symbol of a four petalled lotus into the chair, which is capable of bestowing a catchy image and giving people a peaceful feeling. Bunga Teratai are plants that symbolize healing power. Malay people have successfully used all parts of these plants, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and even seeds, believing they have medicinal properties and a good healing spirit. The chosen metaphor has been stylized aesthetically to create a unique and contemporary concept. The chair clearly reflects local identity with a strong emotional concept and vibrant natural wood that ages beautifully.

Mata’hati Coffee Table
Mata’hati coffee table is designed for functionality and use in tropical conditions. Traditional wood joinery, such as tenon and dowel joints, is attached to the tabletop frame for aesthetic pleasure. The overall dimensions of the table are 800 W x 600 D x 450 H mm. The natural materials are eloquently communicated through the design. The three sets of four-petalled lotus (bunga teratai pecah empat) are placed on the plane support under the tabletop, and the bamboo shoot (pucuk rebung) motif is featured on the tabletop. All motifs allow the consumer to experience new ways of embracing functionality, aesthetics, and meaning. Consumers choose furniture with symbolic meanings because they are attracted to realistic and abstract design forms that fulfill emotions and personal taste. Bunga Teratai and Pucuk Rebung are plants that symbolize power. They are believed to have medicinal properties and excellent healing qualities for humankind. They also have coordinated responses, often taking physical form as objects of beauty and spiritual potency. This piece of furniture is created through thinking, conceptualising, drawing, and incorporating artistic expression, relating to practicality and epitomising the style of Nusantara.



Free Standing Bunga Tabur Shelf
The free-standing three-tier shelf is designed to portray a dynamic look and allows users to add additional storage space around residential areas instantly. It is perfect for tidying and organising your treasures in a stylish way. The assembled shelves measure 700 W x 600 D x 1600 H mm. The Free Standing Bunga Tabur Shelf features a classical, traditional image with natural wood finishes and incorporates a traditional joinery system. Each tray of the shelf has small motifs of bamboo shoots (Pucuk Rebung). There are six bamboo shoot motifs, specifically in a triangle shape positioned symmetrically on the plane. These motifs resemble scattered flowers (Bunga Tabur), utilising the plane space by making it packed with traditional designs. A popular Malay proverb says “jika mahu dilenturkan buluh, biarlah dari rebungnya,” which means to educate or shape a child's character from an early age. This proverb is very relevant and is why I love this Malay motif on a tangible object. It has a powerful meaning behind its beautiful design. This furniture is designed to integrate artistic representation with practicality, personifying the essence of Malay culture.


Bergerang Series I – Coffee Table
The art of Tikar Bergerang is intricately unique, and courtesy in Malay culture and Islamic practice should remain a core value for future generations. Embedding aesthetic elements and principal concepts into furniture design is one way to preserve Sarawak Malay cultural heritage.
The table top’s depth mimics the tray design, reflecting one of the Malay customs by expressing warm, welcoming gestures through serving drinks, kuih, and sirih pinang to guests.
The fusion of the hollow motif of Tikar Bergerang and Islamic architecture has greatly influenced the design and construction of this coffee table.
The overall design of the coffee table is enhanced by the natural colour, grain, and texture of Nyatoh wood (Palaquium spp), creating an aesthetically pleasing and culturally meaningful piece.


Bergerang Series I – Stool
The Bergerang Series 1 Stool interprets Saribas Malay culture and Islamic influence, bridging art, craft, value, and belief.
This furniture series is designed with two main influences: Malay culture and Islam. Tikar Bergerang is closely connected to the Saribas Malay community in Sarawak. The mat’s unique attributes and sacred role set it apart from other utilitarian mats.
The design of the stool is inspired by the pixelated hollow motif of Tikar Bergerang, Islamic architecture, and Malay customs. It uses local Nyatoh wood (Palaquium spp) for its fine grain and reddish-brown qualities. Tebuk tembus is a wood carving technique used to create the hollow effect and replicate the open weave motif found in Tikar Bergerang. The arch style, which dominates the main structure of the stool, reflects the distinctive elements of Islamic architecture.


Engkabang Series: Drawer
Shorea macrophylla, a plant locally known as Engkabang, is closely associated with the people and culture of Sarawak. The people of Sarawak savour Engkabang for its illipe nuts, while the durability of Engkabang wood has been used in traditional boat making.
The Engkabang Series Drawer will showcase the aesthetic form and colour of Engkabang. The drawer is designed for modern living and aims to be a stylish piece suitable for various settings, from living rooms to offices. Constructed from Engkabang wood, it has a natural yellowish-white hue. It features a geometric form with one open compartment and two sliding drawers for organized storage of small items. The engraved lines on both drawer doors create a sleek and minimalist look. Overall, this design is intended to be both functional and visually appealing.


Engkabang Series: Dining Set
The aesthetic elements of Engkabang are used to create the Engkabang Series Dining Set. The series includes three pieces: a chair, a bench, and a table. Form, texture, and colour are the main elements inspired by Engkabang in this design.
The dining table design is inspired by the simplicity and minimalism of modern furniture to suit a contemporary home. It is made from Engkabang wood with a natural finish to maintain the colour and grain quality of the material. The legs of the chairs and bench are angled, with wide backrests and white upholstery seats for comfort and a sleek, modern look. The square tabletop, with fine lines engraved to reflect the texture of Engkabang, and the tapered legs add visual interest to the piece.
The Engkabang Series Dining Set is intended to be the centrepiece of a contemporary dining space, suitable for both daily meals and entertaining guests on casual and formal occasions.



PUSAKA-UNIMAS
Furniture Design Competition 2016


Winner
The design of the Pua Kumbu Console Table is derived and inspired by traditional ceremonial cloth patterns known as Pua Kumbu, made by the Iban people living in Borneo. For this furniture, the identity of Pua Kumbu’s character has been injected aesthetically to create a unique and contemporary concept in the modern era. A console table with a size and shape that is a simple square design. The table has one top and one hanging space above the leg for display and storage. The design combines a set of strips of acacia wood for overall construction. A longer and narrower table with more height is a special feature that makes this piece perfect for displaying decorative items and ornaments. In addition, this console table is crafted out of solid acacia wood for a strong and durable body. With clean lines and an eye-catching design, there is no doubt that this console table blends in with the rest of the living space.


Second Place
The Geo coffee table is a rectangular table with an understated style and classy appearance. The exquisite piece features gracefully flowing lines that are intricately crafted. As a result, a uniquely appealing piece of furniture with high aesthetic value is created. The aim is to design an indoor coffee table that uses acacia wood for most of its components. The design is inspired by the famous cultural motif Wayang Kulit. The materials used in manufacturing this coffee table come mainly from solid wood and glass, which have undoubtedly stylized the output itself. There are four legs attached to a medium-sized table top. The design combines wood for construction and glass for the top. The stylization of the delicate Wayang Kulit or Shadow Puppet motif is translated into the construction of the table base. With its slim detailing and quality materials, the Geo Coffee Table has the ability to fit nicely in any interior setting. Regarding the Geo Coffee Table, Iwan said it is a rectangular table with an understated style and classy appearance. This exquisite piece features gracefully flowing lines that are intricately crafted on the table. The materials used for this table come mainly from solid wood and glass. Featuring a shadow play in its base, this slim table fits in any interior setting.


Third Place
Bangku Kaki Tiga, or the three-legged stool, is a versatile seating option that can add character to any living area. The background of this invention is to design a stool that uses acacia wood for most of its component materials. The stool is very modern and simple yet highly functional. It is moderately light to be handled by one person. The construction is also strong enough to support an adult.
Acacia wood is the main material for this stool, which could bring a peaceful environment to its users. Its overall design emphasises simplicity and functionality, which are essential components of modern design. Featuring ergonomic touches and a spatial structure, the three-legged stool offers comfortable seating for everyday use. The stool consists of 3 parts: the seat top and three legs, combining seven wooden components. This beautiful three-legged stool stands out in any space with its contemporary look.


Fifth Place
Strip-R is a versatile console table suitable for any space, emphasising premium quality materials and a unique high style design. The background of its invention is to create a console table that uses acacia wood for most of its component materials. The console table is designed to use strip wood to reduce costs as much as possible in the manufacturing process. The design concept is based on a retro style with simplicity in its form, thereby highlighting modern principles. Console tables are usually placed against the wall. The design focuses on simplicity and functionality to achieve the goal of reducing manufacturing costs. The use of special joinery systems at all jointing points has created a sense of elegance that deserves a place in your living room. By looking at the furniture, you will be able to recognise the Borneo identity with its strong emotional concept and vibrant natural local woods that age beautifully.
PUSAKA-UNIMAS
Furniture Design Competition 2017


Winner
The concept of creating this furniture is to design modern and elegant pieces that contain traditional and local identity. The idea for the midin rack is inspired by a unique local plant called midin. The midin rack is a piece of furniture that represents Borneo's identity in a modern and elegant way. The rack can be used as a display piece and is particularly useful for functional and modern living spaces.


Second Place
The Terendak Side Table is perfect for homeowners who want to add traditional yet functional touches to their interior décor. The Terendak Side Table will definitely provide a unique place to store your books or beverages. Going beyond ordinary circular table designs, the Terendak Side Table incorporates geometric shapes, angular forms, and unexpected colours to create a more visually alluring piece that is adaptably functional for small storage.


Third Place
The Nexus Coffee Table is designed based on the uniqueness of Rafflesia's colour and form. The table is made to suit high-end spaces such as hotel lobbies or distinctly elegant environments. The acacia wood gives the furniture a unique Borneo style. The idea is to make modern furniture that looks elegant and shows traditional Borneo design. The Nexus Coffee Table is inspired by the beautiful Rafflesia, a rare plant from Sarawak. The acacia wood features a distinctive Borneo identity.


Fourth Place
The Mengkuang Tallboy is inspired by Borneo patterns, showing the beauty of traditional designs in an elegant way. The Mengkuang mats used in the assembly highlight the special beauty of traditional Borneo. The design is meant to show the important traditional Borneo identity more strongly. The goal of the design is to raise awareness of traditional Borneo patterns around the world.
PUSAKA-UNIMAS
Furniture Design Competition 2018


Winner
The Seh chair is a Japanese-style "Zaisu" chair inspired by a traditional musical instrument called the gendang, used in Mukun dance. Mukun is a Sarawak tradition usually seen at Malay wedding ceremonies in Sarawak. In this unique tradition, the Seh produces music with the gendang, and the Penopeng starts to dance. The ladies sit behind curtains that separate them from the men, who sit on the other side. There is a space in the centre for dancing. The ladies behind the curtains are known as 'Seh Gendang' or those who play the gendang (drum) while singing poems. This chair is the perfect size for living rooms, lounges, and Japanese-style dining tables. The simple design makes the Seh chair look elegant and unique.


Second Place
The Terabai Study Table combines a study and working table with a bookshelf, inspired by the Terabai from the Iban people in Sarawak. The main materials used are Acacia wood and glass. Its natural colour and attractive grain add a warm, rich touch to your space. The design is a contemporary and multifunctional table, suitable for users who want a comfortable and decorative study or working table with a hint of Iban culture. Unlike traditional bookshelves, the boards are removable, leaving the hanger to function on its own.


Third Place
The Engkabang Console Table is inspired by the "Bunga Engkabang", which is a Dayak tribal symbol from Borneo. The Tengkawang or Engkabang tree grows in remote areas of Borneo, including around Sungai Rajang. Featuring luxury design elements, the Engkabang Console Table uses an organic shape inspired by the "Bunga Engkabang". The Engkabang Console Table combines traditional and modern luxury styles from Borneo. Place the Engkabang Console Table against a wall and add a lamp on top to enhance the space.


Fourth Place
This design is inspired by the 'Pua Kumbu' pattern. 'Pua Kumbu' is a traditional hand-woven textile made by Iban women in Sarawak. Its uniqueness comes from the technical details and pattern designs that represent different purposes and uses. The Kumbs Console Table can be used as a decorative piece or focal point in areas like the foyer, living room, dining room, and bedroom. It is a stylish addition to any home. The 'Pua Kumbu' pattern is applied to the side legs of the console table.



Fifth Place
The Tambok stool is perfect for users looking to add some traditional yet functional touches to their interior decor. Give your house a beautiful and contemporary accent with this elegant Tambok stool. This stool will definitely provide a unique touch in your space. Going beyond ordinary square stool designs, the Tambok stool integrates round shapes, angular forms, and wood colours to offer a more visually appealing seat. Combining functionality and traditional charm, this Tambok stool is ideal for homeowners who may be a little tight on space but do not want to sacrifice their love for traditional and unique decor.
PUSAKA-UNIMAS
Furniture Design Competition 2019


Winner
Beehive is a brilliant coffee table design that combines a modern and minimalist concept. Using a simple hexagonal shape, the top is made from wood and glass and is inspired by a beehive. The combination of gradient coloured polygonal pieces creates an elegant and attractive feature, perfect for indoor use.

Second Place
Okta is a modern geometric bar table. This table combines pieces of different shades of rectangular wood to create a pattern for a unique and elegant look. Inspired by a diamond shape, Okta is perfect for furnishing a living room, lounge, or other indoor spaces.


Fourth Place
Geom is a coffee table designed with a contemporary and modern concept in mind. The design is inspired by Pac-Man, the popular maze arcade game. Geom is unique because it consists of two tables: a separable coffee table and a side table. The design is kept simple and functional to blend perfectly in any residential living space.






