Studio merges craftsmanship, popular culture and sustainability in signature pieces that celebrate Brazilian identity

The OCA Objeto studio, founded in 2015 by architects Renan Santos and Juliana Hurtado, develops design objects with a focus on sustainability and Brazilian cultural references. The studio, created shortly after the pair graduated in Architecture and Urban Planning, concentrates its production on handmade signature pieces.

The creative process stems from observing nature — textures, shapes, rhythms and materials — and incorporates elements of Afro-Brazilian cultures that mark the creators’ trajectories. Manifestations such as candomblé, umbanda, capoeira, jongo and samba influence both the aesthetics and the concept of the pieces.

Material reuse

The studio adopts the principle that material offcuts represent new beginnings, not waste. Manual production allows the transformation of residues into new objects. The nuances and textures seek to bring the pieces closer to nature, with the aim of creating sensations of calm and wellbeing in environments.

Each creation carries its own stories, the result of artisanal work that explores forms and possibilities of repurposed materials.

Inspiration from Brazilian flora and fauna

The Espinhal line exemplifies the studio’s approach. Inspired by the paineira tree, marked by the thorns that cover its trunk, the collection explores the role of these elements in nature as symbols of defence, protection and resistance. The pieces mimic organic forms and translate the presence of thorns into matter, texture and gesture.

Espinhal

The Cupinzeiro Collection investigates the structures built by termites. The work stems from the principle that all greatness begins in the invisible — a reference to the collective and meticulous work of these insects that create complex architectures. The collection translates the textures and organic forms of termite mounds into objects, highlighting construction processes that occur beyond human sight.

The objects evoke ancestral strength, as if wearing nature’s own skin.

Cupinzeiro

Artisanal production

Each piece results from manual work that prioritises respect for process, raw materials and cultural meaning. The studio’s proposal positions craft as a contemporary design language, beyond utilitarian or decorative function.

The creations carry their own narratives and temporality, the result of combining traditional techniques and ecological solutions.

OCA Objeto works in São Paulo State, Brazil, and sells its creations through its own platform.