Norwegian Designers Create Products from Norwegian Oak — with Support from Hamran's Carpentry Workshop
Designers' Saturday marked the beginning of DS Unika 2025 with a workshop at Hamran’s.
DS Unika is an exhibition showcasing unique objects from selected designers, and in 2025, the concept is to create products from Norwegian wood. In the first week of September, eight designers marked the beginning of DS Unika 2025 with a workshop at Hamran’s facilities in Southern Norway. Hamran provided the participants with access to Norwegian southern oak, advanced tools, and support from skilled craftsmen.
The designers were chosen by an external professional jury. The selected designers are Anna Maria Øfstedal Eng, Bjørn van den Berg, Morten & Jonas, Julia Conley, Vilde Hagelund, Lloyd Winter, Silje Nesdal, and Kjetil Smedal.
Valuable Workshop
During the workshop, Hamran opened their well-equipped facilities in Snartemo. The designers had the opportunity to experiment with materials, explore advanced production methods, and closely collaborate with skilled local craftsmen from the workshop.
«Participating in DS Unika and this workshop provides us a unique opportunity to gain insight into traditional craftsmanship and the technically advanced process at Hamran, from sawmill to finished product. We get to work closely with southern oak and explore the material's properties and aesthetic. It has been very inspiring. This approach to the design process will give the final objects unique and defining characteristics.»Bjørn van den Berg, designer
Creative Community
The workshop at Hamran wasn’t only about creating physical products – it also served as a platform for building a sense of community among the designers. Through collaboration, they share experiences, seek advice from one another, and dive deeper into their shared passion for design. The workshop gives them the space to freely explore their ideas on their own terms.
«It inspires, motivates, and engages us when such well-known designers show interest in both our craft and Hamran as a company. This fosters innovation and development, which are essential for our success at Hamran.»Trond Hamran, CEO at Hamran
DS Unika is a platform for showcasing unique objects from various designers. According to Heidi Lie, CEO of Designers' Saturday, the DS Unika concept provides participants with a rare opportunity to express themselves creatively outside of commercial constraints.
«The concept highlights the process behind design and offers the audience insights into the work behind each product. Through DS Unika, we aim to promote talented designers and strengthen interest in Norwegian design both nationally and internationally.»Heidi Lie, CEO of Designers' Saturday
About DS Unika
DS Unika is an exhibition showcasing unique objects from selected designers. The concept provides designers a platform to present themselves and express themselves more freely than they often have the opportunity to do. The exhibition focuses on providing the audience with insight into current Norwegian design and spotlighting talented designers. Over the years, unknown gems in the form of prototypes, sketches, and other elements from both young and established designers have been presented and auctioned, with collector interest steadily increasing.
DS Unika is an initiative by Designers' Saturday, Norway's largest and most important meeting place for design and interior architecture.
About Hamran
Hamran's carpentry workshop was founded in 1930 with a passion for craftsmanship and tradition. For over 90 years, Hamran has preserved and passed down woodworking techniques through generations, and over time, they have grown into a leading player in the production of custom-made kitchens, bathroom fittings, and wardrobes of the highest quality.
Over the years, Hamran’s carpentry workshop has achieved several key milestones, including the expansion of their workshop in Snartemo, collaborations with renowned designers, and the completion of prestigious projects that have put them on the map both nationally and internationally. Today, Hamran combines the legacy of craftsmanship with modern technology to create sustainable, unique products that last a lifetime. Despite modernization and innovation, Hamran has always remained true to its roots in traditional craftsmanship.
