No.1 Common is an initiative by AHEC which questions what quality means when it comes to natural materials–specifically, hardwood products–to champion a more sustainable approach to material selection: ‘use what nature provides’. 

In this film, leading UK furniture makers Benchmark explore the potential of No.1 Common timber–a.k.a. No.1C– assessing the technical, aesthetic and practical possibilities of using this grade of timber in furniture production. The goal was not only to push technical boundaries but also to explore the benefits of using No.1C in terms of labour efficiency and yield.

With commentary from AHEC’s European Director David Venables; Benchmark's Managing Director Martin Penrose; and furniture makers Mark Carey and Phoebe Oldfield, this initiative is a call to designers, makers, industry leaders, and consumers to embrace the beauty of this grade.

This material research has inspired the design exhibition No.1 Common, which will open to the public during 3daysofdesign (18–20 June), as part of Material Matters Copenhagen. For more information click here.