About me

I'm Luís, and my work with natural cork has its roots in a family craft tradition. At Chapadaecocork, I build on that connection to the material and to practical skills, creating objects with a purpose and a character of their own.

Cork and time

I work with cork ranging in age from a minimum of 9 years to more than 20 years. Cork over 20 years old is rarer and is distinguished by its thickness, colour, density and texture. These characteristics guide my selection and help me decide how to work each piece of cork.

The bark, pores, cracks and variations in tone reveal the material's history. I aim to respect these natural marks and incorporate them into the design of each piece.

Handmade in small batches

In my studio, I select and work the cork by hand, piece by piece. I make boxes, soap dishes and other objects in small batches, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces whose shapes emerge from the individual features of each fragment.

Each creation takes shape as I work on it. The cork's contours, relief and texture guide part of the result. Even within a small batch, the material's natural differences give each object its own character.

From everyday objects to bespoke projects

I aim to develop objects for everyday life, bringing together each piece's function and the natural expression of cork. I can also assess customisation of existing models, changes to dimensions or configurations, and projects developed from scratch with a prototype.

If you have an idea or need a piece adapted to a particular use, tell me what you have in mind.

My aim is to create useful, lasting pieces that preserve the character of cork and show the work of the person who makes them.