Design and Production
Bringing a new object into the world is a responsibility. We have felt that from the beginning. That is why we have never worked with seasonal collections, and why we do not design around trends or produce in large quantities. We prefer to take the time each piece requires. Some things simply benefit from time and patience.
Our approach belongs to a long tradition of thoughtful design. We admire the way Alvar Aalto treated wood as a living material, with qualities of its own. We value Dieter Rams' belief that a good object should be honest and useful, and we share the Porto School's deep respect for the relationship between form, material and place.
These references matter to us because they remind us that design is a way of making choices. Every BOAH NOVA piece reflects those choices: in its material, its proportions, the way it shapes light, and also in everything that has been deliberately left out.
Boa Nova Tea House, by Siza Vieira
Design Philosophy
Ten principles guide the way we design and produce every BOAH NOVA piece.
Simplicity
Beauty often lies in restraint. Our lampshades are built around clear forms, allowing the characteristics of wood and the quality of light to speak for themselves.
Functionality
A lamp is part of everyday life. We design each piece with the behaviour of light in mind, creating illumination that feels comfortable, balanced and naturally connected to the space around it.
Timelessness
We are interested in objects that remain meaningful over time. Rather than responding to passing trends, we focus on forms, materials and proportions that continue to feel right years after they are first chosen.
Longevity
Durability is one of the most responsible decisions a designer can make. We choose materials and construction methods that allow our pieces to be lived with for many years and to age with character.
Universality
All our lampshades use the E26/E27 fitting, one of the most widely adopted lighting standards in the world. This makes our pieces easy to maintain, compatible with existing fixtures, and adaptable to future improvements in lighting technology.
Repairability
We believe objects should accompany people for a long time. Our assembly systems allow components to be replaced when needed, extending the life of every piece.
Interchangeability
Our lampshades are designed to work with existing electrical structures and with different bases and supports. This flexibility allows spaces to evolve naturally, while preserving what already works well.
Mountability
Assembly should be straightforward and intuitive. Most of our pieces can be assembled easily by hand, while some models arrive ready to use.
Responsibility
Every material choice carries consequences. We work exclusively with wood and wood veneers, finished with water-based stains and varnishes chosen for their durability and low environmental impact.
Biodegradability
We think about the full life of the objects we create. The wood we use comes from responsibly managed forests and can return naturally to the environment at the end of its life. The same care extends to our packaging.
Production
We combine digital precision with hand craftsmanship. Technology allows us to work with extremely fine sheets of wood with remarkable accuracy. Then the human hand takes over: shaping, finishing and paying attention to the details that make each piece unique.
Wood itself plays its part. Every grain, every variation in tone, every natural feature becomes part of the finished object. No two pieces are ever exactly alike. We work at a small scale because it allows this level of attention. It lets us know every piece we make and gives us the freedom to create objects with care, honesty and lasting relevance.
