The Genipabu Sideboard is a poetic interpretation of nature, born from the sweeping dunes of Genipabu in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Famous for their ever-shifting shapes carved by the wind, the Genipabu Dunes offer a mesmerizing landscape of flowing forms and rhythmic patterns. This piece of furniture captures that beauty and movement, transforming it into a sculptural and functional object for the home.
At first glance, the sideboard’s most striking feature is its flowing silhouette. The gentle curves that define its surface mimic the natural erosion of wind on sand, forming textures that feel both organic and intentional. These sinuous lines are not just decorative—they shape the entire identity of the piece, inviting touch and admiration. The door handles, seamlessly sculpted into the body of the furniture, continue this theme. Their design mimics the smooth, wind-shaped hollows of the dunes, creating a sense of unity between form and function.
Designer: Estudio Galho
A particularly innovative element of the Genipabu Sideboard is its integrated wine storage. Set within a rhythmic triangular structure, the wine rack subtly echoes the dune’s natural peaks and valleys. This detail not only serves a practical purpose but also deepens the visual storytelling of the piece. By incorporating storage into the design’s aesthetic language, the sideboard maintains its sculptural presence without sacrificing usability.
The project was developed between late 2024 and early 2025 as a collaboration between the design studio and Movew, a Brazilian furniture company. It was conceptualized through a series of in-person and remote meetings held in Natal, RN, and João Pessoa, PB, with careful attention paid to local influences and materials.
Crafted with sustainability in mind, the base structure of the sideboard is made from MDF and coated in natural wood veneers, providing strength and texture. The upper wine rack is CNC-machined, allowing for precision in the triangular pattern. Most notably, the external parts of the sideboard are made of certified solid wood, finished with a natural semi-gloss carnauba wax. Derived from the Carnaúba palm, this wax is a renewable resource, offering a durable, elegant finish that is both tactile and environmentally friendly.
With dimensions of 2100 x 500 x 680 mm, the Genipabu Sideboard makes a bold yet graceful statement. It is large enough to serve as a functional storage piece while maintaining a sense of lightness through its sculptural form.
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