For Ferm Living’s Spring Summer 2025 Collection, which draws from the design principles of Can Lis, Jørn Utzon’s architectural masterpiece, we turned to a material that embodies both warmth and architectural integrity—Douglas fir. Known for its refined grain and elegant tone, this wood plays a crucial role in select pieces of the collection, bringing a sense of natural harmony into modern living spaces.
A Softwood with Lasting Impact
Douglas fir, or ‘Oregon Pine,’ originates from North America’s west coast and was introduced to Europe in the 19th century by Scottish botanist David Douglas. Known for its strength and fine grain, it has been prized in construction and design for centuries.
This softwood has unique qualities that offer a rare balance of beauty and functionality. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to move and handle, while its smooth surface enhances its natural aesthetic. Over time, its warm reddish-pink tones soften into a subtle grey, enriching each piece with depth, character, and a timeless patina.
Design and Craftsmanship
The way a Douglas fir plank is cut significantly influences its final appearance. At Ferm Living, we opted for quarter-sawn lumber, a technique that results in a more refined, striped pattern rather than a bold, flame-like grain. By choosing this precise cutting method, we highlight the depth and character of this timber, allowing its organic variations to shine while ensuring a consistent expression across multiple pieces.
A careful selection process ensures that each wooden plank is meticulously matched during production, creating a seamless transition of colour and grain that highlights the material’s inherent beauty. This attention to detail results in a cohesive, harmonious expression, ensuring every piece reflects the refined craftsmanship and design vision at the heart of our collection.
“We see quarter-sawn Douglas fir as a more refined and serene expression of the material. This cut highlights the wood’s natural quality, as there are no knots or imperfections to hide—unlike with regular pine.”
Phillipp Materna, Head of Design at Ferm Living
Echoing Can Lis
A key inspiration behind this material choice is the architectural masterpiece Can Lis, designed by Jørn Utzon. The house’s distinct use of stone and wood provided the foundation for our approach, which balances natural textures with thoughtful construction. While Can Lis prominently features Mallorcan pine, we chose Douglas fir as a more accessible yet elevated alternative. Its finer grain and absence of knots lend it a luxurious touch while maintaining an organic, understated elegance.
By drawing from Utzon’s design language, we crafted pieces that feel at home in the spirit of Can Lis—integrating into its surroundings while remaining practical for contemporary living.
Stewardship and Responsibility
Conscious production guides our material selection. At Ferm Living, we exclusively select wood ethically sourced from FSC™-certified forests in Poland, Germany, and Slovakia. This ensures responsible forest management and sustainable craftsmanship. While FSC™ certified Douglas fir remains rare in the market, our commitment to conscious workmanship drives us to work with partners who prioritise environmental responsibility.
For the Spring Summer 2025 Collection, Douglas fir is more than just a material—it bridges nature, architecture, and timeless design. Its refined quality and subtle beauty make it essential to pieces like the Sala Piece, Aukko Dining Table, and Vist Dining Chair, embodying the shared ethos of Ferm Living and Can Lis with thoughtful craftsmanship and lasting impact.
Discover the Spring Summer 2025 Collection.
Discover Ferm Living x Utzon — Can Lis.