Led by: Abid Ali & Kapil Grover
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to solid wood furniture making through the construction of a three-legged wooden scandinavian milking stool. The project offers a practical introduction to core principles of woodworking, including structure, balance, joinery, grain orientation, and ergonomics.
Participants will work on individual stools, moving from understanding the design to shaping, assembling, and finishing a fully functional object. The process emphasises traditional joinery, thoughtful material use, and an attention to proportion and aesthetics.
The humble stool has a long history, evolving from a symbol of wealth in ancient times to an everyday object with many uses. Among its many forms, the three-legged stool—originally derived from the milking stool—is one of the oldest and most enduring designs.
Designed for beginners, design students, and those curious about furniture making, the workshop requires no prior woodworking experience. Each participant takes home a stool they have made by hand, along with a strong foundation in solid wood construction.
From Timber to Stool
Architecture and design students
Woodworking enthusiasts, from beginners to intermediate levels
Educators and learners of craft
Those interested in traditional wooden furniture making
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
Understand three-legged stool geometry and load distribution
Learn fundamental furniture proportions and ergonomics
Execute angled leg joinery (mortise & tenon / tapered round tenon)
Use essential hand tools safely and accurately
Understand wood grain direction and material behavior
Take home a fully assembled wooden stool
