GET TO KNOW VELA BY PODIUM — A FURNITURE SET THAT BEGAN WITH A FAMILY HOME AND EVOLVED INTO ACCESSIBLE, FUNCTIONAL PIECES FOR EVERYDAY LIVING, DEVELOPED BY DOTS DESIGN STUDIO AND PODIUM
TEXT: NATHATAI TANGCHADAKORN
PHOTO: RATTHAWIT PROMMAJAN EXCEPT AS NOTED
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For beachside spots like private residences, resorts, or cafés, the primary considerations for furniture selection involve their spatial integration within context and interior design. Most importantly, these pieces need to set the right mood through their look and usability, since furniture is the one thing everyone actually gets hands-on with.
Krit Phutpim | Photo courtesy of Dots Design Studio
Photo: Suwat Praikanarat
Originally developed for the Phuket beach house of the Kongmalai family (Artiwara and Ratchawin), VELA was designed and developed by Krit Phutpim of Dots Design Studio. Looking for furniture that is full of craftsmanship and user-friendly functionality for a modern-luxury-style beach house, PODIUM steps in to translate design imagination into a resolved and lasting product for every generation.
Photo: Suwat Praikanarat
Instead of focusing solely on custom-made furniture for one residence, this sub-collection scales a specific design concept into a product line for the wider public. Dots Design Studio partnered with PODIUM due to their mastery of wood craftsmanship and ability to execute complex designs with world-class production standards. The resulting furniture set surpasses traditional custom-made pieces, offering quality and functionality that can be enjoyed in many different contexts.
VELA is inspired by the themes of the ‘sea (Talay)’ and ‘time (Vela).’ The project presents a well-considered balance of furniture with beach house character, woven parts, and relaxed shape, and a way of living centered on family interaction around the dining table, which usually serves as the heart of the home.
Beginning with its solid American white oak structure, VELA is carefully shaped and sanded by skilled craftspeople; the wood reveals gentle curves that bring out the natural beauty of its grain and ensure safety for children.
Photo: Suwat Praikanarat
This sub-collection was imagined beyond furniture for adults alone. This idea is especially present in the table. Since the dining table usually has a ‘roof’ and ‘column’ to play with, an early draft explored the base as a tunnel-like structure, inspired by the way children turn their house into imaginary places. Although that exact production idea evolved during development, the spirit of it remained in its playable, clean structure beneath the table.
Aside from high-quality wood, this material sensitivity continues through the handwoven paper cord seen on the chair backrests and table base, where it introduces lightness and a different texture to the wood furniture. These elements also invite a closer appreciation of its craftsmanship; as another expression, the woven paper cord can be changed to Textilene, a durable synthetic fiber that offers greater resilience.
The chairs are designed with comfort in mind, whether choosing fabric or leather to make them feel cozy and stylish. This detail ensures they’re more than just part of the beach house – they’re really built for those long stretches where everyone’s just sitting around, talking, and hanging out together.
Photo: Suwat Praikanarat
VELA began as a design response to one particular home and later evolved into a furniture set that reflects the relationship between professional designers, homeowners, and PODIUM, whose expertise in bridging design intention on paper and production illustrates how a personal preference, taste, and vision can grow into a product shared with others.
VELA Table: the generous dining table available in three lengths: 2.4, 2.6, and 2.8 meters.
VELA Chair-01: the armchair available in paper cord and Textilene.
VELA Chair-02: the side chair available in paper cord and Textilene.
Read more about VELA by PODIUM at podium.co.th
Visit the PODIUM showroom at Soi Sathorn 1. Open daily from 10.00 AM to 7.00 PM.
Location and contact details