Nicolene van der Walt grew up on her family's farm in South Africa, where she developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Pretoria before relocating to Berlin in 2015 to pursue formal training as a carpenter. Today, she co-founded Matter of Course, a Berlin-based collective bringing together eleven independent designers. In 2020, she established her own studio in Neukölln, where she creates handcrafted pieces and limited editions defined by minimalist aesthetics and geometric precision. Every piece is crafted from sustainably sourced solid wood harvested from responsibly managed German forests. A committed advocate of the global slow movement, van der Walt prioritizes quality and longevity in all her designs—a philosophy that guides every furniture and product that bears her name.

Her collection includes the Nº 1 Sideboard—a breakthrough design that breaks the mold of traditional sideboards. Unlike conventional pieces that must be positioned against a wall, this sideboard thrives in the center of a room. Two roller-shutter doors occupy the front, while a third panels the back, eliminating the need for a rear wall entirely. This ingenious design allows for access from every angle, maximizing both function and spatial flow. The Nº 2 Serving Board showcases her versatility, available in various wood species and food-safe oil finishes. A proprietary sanding technique ensures the surface maintains its smooth finish through years of use. The Nº 4 Cake Stand Collection rounds out the series—three sculptural objects in graduated sizes that transcend their name. Deploy them as cake or cheese platters, or use them as striking displays for fruit, nuts, and other treasures.

www.nicolenevanderwalt.com

Photography Credits:

Anne Deppe
www.annedeppe.de

(Published in CUBE Berlin 03|22)