The Art of Hardwood

Following their success in cultivating exotic hardwood species in Costa Rica, American environmentalists Steve and Sherry Brunner formed Raleo, which translates as “thinning” in Spanish. With the help of another family member, Jake Brunner, who also has a horticulture background, the company produces refined sculptural furniture from over 30 types of hardwood, which the Brunners grow on their own farm in Costa Rica.

A single Raleo table or chair often contains several different tree species, from well-known varieties such as teak and mahogany to rarer types like wild tambran and madero negro. The company also utilizes this combination approach for pointillist-inspired art works, created from half-inch nuggets of wood. The pieces are individually selected for grain, texture, and color characteristics; polished; then assembled into larger mosaics.