The Tibetan Plateau is one of the most surreal regions on earth. Nomads and their yaks move slowly across vast grasslands, guided by seasons, terrain, and a deep connection to nature. Rooted in simplicity and balance, these nomads offer a way of living that values restraint, exploration, and presence. The Plateau Collection was inspired by exactly this. Designed by Joeri Reynaert and developed by LODRO, The Plateau Collection is a conceptual furniture collection that has gone through a first round of sampling.
At the core of the collection is yak leather sourced from nomadic partners on the Tibetan Plateau. For generations, nomads have preserved memories through lived experience rather than possessions. Yak leather, has a raw and authentic grain is a direct result of the Yak’s unique origins. The Yak is indigenous to the regions of Central Asia, from the Himalayas through to the Tibetan Plateau. These animals are adapted to thrive in conditions with elevations up to 6000 metres and temperatures reaching as low as -40°C. These hides are a natural byproduct of the nomadic lifestyle and would otherwise go to waste. Because of this, these hides are available only in limited quantities each year.
As rapid urbanization, shrinking grasslands, and economic pressure slowly erode nomadic traditions, we wanted to explore how design might contribute, even in a small way. Through the use of yak leather in the Plateau Collection, we aim to create social and economic value with our nomadic friends on the Tibetan Plateau. Our hides are sourced directly from these communities, allowing for a high level of traceability, often down to the specific town each hide comes from. Our goal is to contribute to a virtuous cycle: by supporting nomads, we help preserve a traditional way of life that plays a vital role in protecting the ecological balance of the Water Tower of Asia, the Tibetan Plateau. We also hope this material connection can transport a sense of natural calm into an increasingly fast-paced world. Looking ahead, select furniture pieces presented by LODRO will offer yak leather upholstery as an option, allowing this intention to be carried forward.
Nomadic Philosophy in Design
The Plateau Collection is defined by a low-to-the-ground seating profile that brings the body closer to the land and encourages a grounded way of resting. The design and layout is also shaped by the boundlessness of the Plateau’s landscape. The horizon stretches outward with little interruption, and this openness informed a design language that remains free and horizontal. By keeping forms visually low and continuous, the collection presents vastness and allows space itself to take precedence.
The sofa is constructed from three leather panels laid over cushions, creating a relaxed yet structured form. Its mobility and modularity are inspired by the nomadic philosophy of grazing and movement, where living environments shift gently as seasons change. A modular side table system with integrated pouffes further supports this flexibility, allowing pieces to be rearranged and used as extra seating as needed. Two coffee tables are part of the collection. One pairs a tabletop with a barrel-shaped stump, while the other is crafted from a single piece of solid oak. Both are finished using the shou sugi ban wood-burning technique, resulting in a natural yet premium surface shaped by fire.
The collection also includes a reimagined Lowlife bed system by Joeri Reynaert. It is composed of three elements: a floor mat base made from a 50/50 blend of wool and natural sisal, a plywood headboard, and cushions. The sisal mat slips over the plywood board to form the back structure, supporting the cushions. Sisal was chosen for its sustainability and raw, tactile quality, while wool balances its texture to provide comfort without losing its natural feel. Together, the low-to-the-ground forms of the Plateau Collection and the textured surfaces of Lowlife encourage a more nomadic way of living within the home, where furniture feels closely connected to the ground beneath.
A Living Room in Nature
At 3,500 meters above sea level, we traveled across the Tibetan Plateau with our nomadic friends to photograph the Plateau Collection. Surrounded by vast grasslands and an endless horizon, we wanted to feel truly at home with nature. On the Roof of the World, where the landscape itself becomes the living room, the collection was placed directly into the environment that inspired its design. Moving through the Plateau alongside the nomads, we experienced the Through these visuals and through the collection itself, we invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and carry a sense of that stillness into everyday life.
Designer: Joeri Reynaert