For this year’s Heritage Day Celebration, Rubio Monocoat, and 7 of the best South African makers raised funds for charities through a #HeritageDayBuildOff
The 7 Makers were each tasked to build an exterior furniture piece, to go on auction in September/October!
Charities
George Royal Academy, Rooted Projects SA, The Bright Eyes Trust
Makers:
Gino Fernandez, Greg Pretorius, Greg Stock, Jonathan Holtzhausen, Krijnauw Joubert, Stewart Aylett, Suzi McAfee
Makers, from left: Gino Fernandez, Suzi McAfee, Greg Pretorius, Carel Steenkamp (RMC), Greg Stock, Jonathan Holtzhausen, Krijnauw Joubert, Stewart Aylett
The Kettle braai stand is perfect for those who have balconies, patios and decks. Made from locally grown White gum or Sugar gum, it’s ideal for this braai stand because of its durability to withstand the South African weather. Kitted out with a bottle opener, utensil holder, ash bucket for those windy days, and an end-grain cutting board and rubber wheels for easy mobility. Held together with Kreg screws to avoid wood splitting and Titebond 3 wood glue, and hidden with dowels.
Wood Specie: White gum/Sugar gum
Finishing product: DuroGrit
Colour/s: Foxy Brown
Dimensions: 1190L x 650W x 900H
Maker: Gino Fernandez @ginothecraftsman
The 8-seater patio table has been crafted with passion, love and dedication. Its custom steel base, powder-coated matte black, ensures both durability and a sleek, modern look. The top is made from solid kiaat wood, chosen for its natural beauty and unique grain, and treated with Rubio Monocoat Durogrit Grassland Beige to enhance its resilience.
To add a personal touch and honor the charities we supported, we signed the underside of the table. Here, you’ll find the signatures of all the fabricators who were involved, the three charities we assisted, and heartfelt messages from the children engraved into the wood forever. This table isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a lasting testimony of the difference we will make in this world.
Wood Specie: Kiaat
Finishing product: DuroGrit
Colour/s: Grassland Beige
Dimensions: 2.330m Long x 1.020m Wide x 0.780m high
Maker: Greg Pretorius @greg.pretorius
This Braai Bench was crafted from a local Cyprus slab that had been in Greg’s workshop for five years, Meranti repurposed from old doors for the spindles and backrest, and Walnut for the bow ties. Inspired by the Conoid Bench by George Nakashima, this project fulfilled Greg’s long-standing desire to create something similar. It allowed him to make use of the available wood in his shop and bring to life ideas he had in mind, ultimately clearing both his headspace and workspace.
Wood Specie: Cyprus bench and back rest horizontal, reclaimed meranti and teak legs and back rest spindles with Walnut bow ties.
Finishing product: DuroGrit
Colour/s: Rocky Umber
Dimensions: H 630mm x L 1220mm x W 500mm
Maker: Greg Stock @gregstockwoodwork
Drawing inspiration from the rich and diverse cultures our country has to offer, this piece showcases all shapes, sizes, materials and textures. A true representation of South Africa. With the distinct veining of the Dekton Laurent, the indigenous Matumi known for its strength and warmth, White oak adding a touch of elegance and the black powder-coated steel providing modern durability, Jono aimed to pull this off as a true expression of his passion and skills. This unique combination of textures and elements creates a stunning centerpiece for your patio. Dekton is completely UV, heat, stain, and scratch resistant whilst the Matumi & White oak bring earthy tones. The Bar Buddy includes a wine rack, hanging wine glass holders, a shelf section for all your hard tack, various hooks and bars to hang tongs and utensils, space for a champagne bucket and a swivel turnplate to serve those perfect G&T’s!
Wood Specie: Matumi, White Oak
Finishing product: Hybrid Wood Protector
Colour/s: Pure
Dimensions: 900mm (H) X 500mm (W) X 1160mm (L)
Maker: Jono Holtzhausen @hausofmachines
Featuring a Lunawood trolley with a solid Oak end-grain butcher block.
The trolley is on four caster wheels with brakes to ensure it can be locked wherever you move it too. The butcher block is removable for easy cleaning purposes and has four rubber feet so that it can be placed anywhere and used separately from the trolley.
Wood Specie: Thermo treated pine (Lunawood) for the trolley and Red & white oak for the butchers block
Finishing product: Durogrit for the trolley and Oil Plus 2C for the butchers block
Colour/s: Charred Black (DuroGrit) & Pure (Oil Plus 2C)
Dimensions: 940mmH x 500mmW x 500mmD
Maker: Krijnauw Joubert @krijnauw
Elevate your braai experience with a touch of sophistication with this one-of-a-kind drinks trolley. More than just a piece of furniture, this handcrafted beauty is a tribute to South African heritage.
Crafted from solid ash, this trolley is designed to honor Heritage Day. Its standout feature is the tambour doors, adorned with an intricate African Sunrise pattern. Bold, sweeping curves are artfully cut into the wood, creating a play of light and shadow.
The trolley’s warm, honeyed hue is complemented by green accents, reflecting national pride with the Springbok colours. Finished with Rubio Monocoat DuroGrit in the colour Grassland Beige and Rubio Monocoat Green, it offers a smooth, water repellent surface that enhances the wood’s natural grain while providing durability and protection from spills and the elements, making it ideal for your stoop or outdoor space.
Wood Specie: European Ash
Finishing product: DuroGrit
Colour/s: Grassland Beige and Rubio Monocoat Green
Dimensions: 800mm H x 450mm W x 750mm L
Maker: Suzi McAfee @suzimcafeewoodworx