Equilibrium – a unique eco-concept store carrying a selection of exceptionally handcrafted, ecological and sustainable products that have been carefully selected to represent the eco sector as a whole – was built on a passion for conservation by founders Tammy and Andrew Chaplin in 1993.
It’s now a multi-generation family business – with retail galleries located at the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River and in Kramerville, Johannesburg – with Bianca, Luke and Dean closely involved in marketing, management and design.
For the past two decades Equilibrium has supported some of the finest South African craftspeople in creating recycled wooden products that represent standards of good design and in turn facilitate the enrichment of traditional craftsmanship and community building.
Each unique piece is hand-crafted and assembled under the supervision of Master Craftsman, Andrew Chaplin, who has over 30 years’ experience. Every piece of reclaimed and reconditioned hardwood timber is selected, cut and assembled under his discerning eye.
The timber used for each item is dried out in a kiln, according to the specific type of timber and the humidity of the region to where it will be shipped. This enables the timber to maintain its shape and prevents movement within the grain. The cut pieces are also carefully selected for colour, grain and texture compatibility to ensure a seamless and perfect finish for each item. The jointing and laminating process follows age old techniques, making sure that precision is at the forefront of Equilibrium’s construction process. All the machinery used is over 50 years’ old, as its robust construction is necessary to withstand the exceptionally hardwood timber that we use.
“Nothing is rushed and all pieces are made to last for the next generations to enjoy and admire. We create timeless antiques of the future,” says Chaplin.
Equilibrium galleries are unique stores carrying a selection of exceptional handcrafted furniture, sculptures, accessories, fabric and objects d’art. Our signature line, conceived in wood, includes fitted kitchens; bathrooms; bars; leisure areas; exclusive entrance doors, windows and custom designed pieces. Our products are created by some of the finest South African craftspeople, to the highest standards of quality.
Equilibrium, together with its manufacturing division – Sleeperwoods – promotes the recycling and regeneration of our indigenous vegetation. Its steadfast commitment to conservation through recovery, recycling and the reuse of raw materials ensures the practice of sound environmental principles. “Our handcrafted products communicate this spirit, and each piece has a unique presence of its own,” says Chaplin.
The original, exclusive and high-quality merchandise on offer includes eco-friendly home décor items, furniture, apparel and literature, and gift items.
Equilibrium and Hans van der Merwe and Son – also located at the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre – have together established the Lowveld Lifestyle Collective store to represent the creativity and ingenuity that the Lowveld has to offer. Each of these local companies has a decade’s long, unique manufacturing process and aesthetic that is reflected in every item of furniture displayed in the Gauteng showroom, which is located in the design hub of Kramerville in Sandton (Building 17, Number 2 Kramer Road). Customers can now visit both stores under one roof and purchase a piece of furniture crafted in the heart of the African bushveld.
Contact Lowveld Lifestyle Collective at 011 262 0071 or email info@lowveldlifesyle.co.za.
Visit the Equilibrium gallery at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, Shop 1; call 013 750 0763; email wr@equilibriumgalleries.com or visit www.equilibriumgalleries.com. Like on Facebook.