Contemporary Desk 'Ernest' by Obstacles, Solid Oak, Umber

Obstacles emerged out of a desire to make objects that are deliberate. We believe in conscious simplification, following a process of geometric reduction that allows the essential quality of each object to emerge.

The concepts behind our collections are grounded in daily life. We make furniture that can be lived with. Objects infused with a sense of comfort and stability.

We collaborate with a careful selection of Spanish fine woodworkers, maintaining close involvement with them throughout the design process. This partnership allows us to preserve their tradition, reinterpreting their knowledge to respond to a contemporary context.

We are committed to the longevity and sustainable lifecycle of our furniture. We work with oak that is FSC-certified, Grade A Quality European Oak, carefully selecting sections of the trunk with minimal knots and unique grain patterns. By creating a unique assembly system, we avoid the use of glue in the joineries of the furniture, allowing the wood to shift naturally over time without losing its stability. We work with natural pigments and finishes. We are conscious of each step of the design process, allowing us to produce products that are ethical and environmentally sound.

Carefully sanded and shaped, stained to age with grace.