


FORT
- Base:Oak in Various Finishes
- Upholstery:Various Fabrics or Leathers
- Dimensions:85cm L x 90cm W x 68cm H
- Seat Height:40cm
- COM:3m
- COL:6sq.m
Available Upholstery
Images may not reflect custom selection.
Specifications
- Brand:Van Rossum
- Designer:Sebastian Herkner
- Production:Made to Order
- Customizable Finish:Available
- Customizable Size:N/A
- Customizable Upholstery:Available
- Product Certificates:CAL117
- Sustainable Certificates:FSC Certified Wood
Van Rossum
At Van Rossum, they owe their extensive knowledge of oak to a special close relationship with their French supplier. The people who work there go into the forest every day. They know every tree and as a result, they know exactly what is being sold at the auctions held by the French National Forestry Services. Some 5 -10 years after planting young saplings, the National Forestry Service selects the stronger trees that will be allowed to mature. An interim selection is made 20 years later, and the final selection follows after another 30 years. The trees that eventually remain are free to grow to an age of about 100 years before literally facing the axe. It is a time consuming process, whereby man creates the optimum growing conditions for a tree, but nature sets the pace.
The oak timber that has been purchased is not transported to the Netherlands immediately. It is left to dry and rest in a sawmill before being cut. Depending on the thickness of the planks, it can take up to 4 years before the timber is eventually loaded for transport.


Sebastian Herkner
Sebastian Herkner studied Product Design at HfG Offenbach University of Art and Design. During his studies he began to focus on designing objects and furniture, honing his keen sense for materials, colors and textures. In 2006 Herkner founded his own studio, and since that time has designed furniture, lamps and smaller items for a multitude of global manufacturers, while also realizing interior architecture projects and museum and exhibition design. His works have won numerous accolades – including elected Maison&Objet 2019 “Designer of the Year”.
Herkner boasts an unconditional love for traditional craftsmanship paired with a good feel for new technologies, a true flair for color, authentic materials and textures, an unadulterated curiosity for different cultures, for embracing and integrating them, and a commitment to taking responsibility for the things and people one works with, not to mention consideration and respect for all of the details and steps necessary to create an extraordinary object.
In the process he creates not just chairs, sofas, lamps, tables, vases and carpets, but an entire cosmos that shines a new light on how objects can appeal to the senses, and where beauty is cultivated from within the process itself and his empathy towards people.