It is common to hear that it is too late to go after the damage caused by humans to the environment and that there is no salvation. However, all is not lost: a more critical look at the time of consumption can ensure the building of a sustainable future. When it comes to wooden pieces, giving priority to products with the FSC® label is an act that helps keep forests standing! ¹ Contrary to what many people think, stopping consuming wood is not the answer to combating deforestation. What contributes to the destruction of fauna and flora is the consumption of illegal wood, which is, unfortunately, the most evident problem related to extraction in the Amazon Rainforest. Around 80% of the annual extraction of timber in the region is of illegal origin. Many of the logs consumed by Brazilians in the civil construction sector is resulting in an authorized process, which generates environmental, social, and economic damages. After all, how can we consume wood correctly? The answer is to choose products from companies with FSC® certification, and not only products from the Ibama authorization! ² The FSC® is currently the most recognized seal around the world and is present in over 75 countries. The council acts in three ways: -it develops the (universal) principles or criteria for certification, -it accredits specialized and independent certifying organizations. -it supports the development of national and regional standards for forest management. This seal guarantees the correct use of the logs that are ecologically adequate, socially fair, and economically viable. We understand that it is crucial to [...]

Have you ever stopped to think about the power that memories have on our journeys? We build our life and our legacy through memories, the moments we spend with our friends and family, and they are part of who we are. People can eternalize these moments like a photo, a toy from childhood, or a souvenir from a memorable trip. We attribute value to objects that go far beyond the material, but a symbol, a perfect representation of a good memory. Some objects impact people: we always hear stories about the first piece of furniture a couple bought when they moved in together or that piece of furniture that has been passed down from generation to generation, disputed by all the family members. We can not decide, exactly, how much these pieces cost, even in monetary value, because they are unique, with stories behind them. Experiencing happiness is priceless. Imagine all the memories built around a dinner table, for example, breakfast with the kids, lunches with friends, Christmas dinners, and birthday parties. Not to mention that a high standard piece lasts for decades, that becomes present in countless narratives from parents, children, and grandchildren. Despite its financial value, this table is more than an investment; its price may not even include all the valuable possibilities it will provide its owners. Its value is not limited to how much it costs. Tora Brasil is committed to offering high-standard furniture pieces that will serve as a backdrop for the memories. We develop products with unique characteristics throughout the creative process, making [...]

The contact with nature through Tora Brasil pieces is enchanting. Part of this enchantment comes from the raw material we use: FSC certified wood of 100% Brazilian origin with unique beauty, worked detailed. We are privileged to take some of this beauty to other countries. A beautiful example of the connection between Tora Brasil and the rest of the world is this space in California (USA) that enchants its modernity and originality. It all started when a couple of Americans visited the Hotel Fasano in Rio de Janeiro, where there is a piece in the lobby. The couple was impressed with the reception counter - made out of a large and imposing log. After some research, the Californians discovered that the piece was a unique and original design of ours. Coincidentally, the couple was building a new house and intended to use unique pieces of wood from around the world - which was the perfect opportunity to purchase one of our creations. The owners chose a sideboard, which, according to them, harmonized perfectly with space as a whole and fulfilled one of their greatest wishes: it is a unique model not found anywhere else. Every time the couple receives visits from friends and family, the sideboard draws attention because of its size that suggests a connection with nature that exudes the beautiful artistic combination encouraged by the artwork located above it.   The couple told us that every guest who visits their home always asks: "where did you find this?". It is a great pleasure to share [...]

Wood is part of everyone, including furniture, household items, and buildings. Its presence is undeniable, and the question of the origin of wood arises, which can be certified or not. Differentiating between these two types of materials and conducting a conscious consumption has an impact on the planet. The illegal extraction and commercialization of wood bring a series of problems related to forest preservation and sustainability as a whole. Its practice is fast, predatory, and devastating action. In Brazil, the rates of illegal wood are high, both for export and for consumption within the country. "There are several studies on the subject, but, in general, they all conclude that more than 50% of the wood produced in the Amazon has an illegal origin," says Carolina Marçal, from Greenpeace Amazon campaign. The certified wood (FSC®️ certification) is the better way to ensure a secure product since it goes beyond the documentation from IBAMA. The wood comes from a forest management process, a sustainable administration with a production process that is ecologically appropriate, socially fair, and economically viable. To be certified, the Organization must comply with procedures contained in the principles and criteria of the FSC® Forest Stewardship Council. The process has five stages: initial contact (between the forest operation and the certifier), assessment (analysis of the management, documentation, and weighing of the field), adjustments (in case of non-conformities), Issuing of the operation certificate, After certification, apply for an operation at least once a year. FSC® is the most recognized and rigorous seal in the world and is present in 75 countries. In Brazil, forest certification creates [...]

When you acquire a piece of Tora Brasil, you may not know it, but it contributes to numerous issues. Originality We create our designs with full respect for intellectual property, which is something we value very much. This respect contributes to encouraging a more creative and original world. We reject any copy and plagiarism, and we hope you are aware of it too. Environment We consider the preservation of the environment a fundamental clause. And this is not an intellectual property issue only, but also is something we certainly value. We were the first company to have the FSC® back in 2007, and we are still the only ones. The FSC® certification is the only way to verify the excellent and thorough work on environmental preservation and social development in the Amazon. Unfortunately, it is common to forge documents for illegal timber, saturating the Brazilian market with this illegality and preventing serious companies from reaching the national market. Less than 2% of Amazonian wood is FSC® certified, and of this small quantity, more than 95% are exported because it can not compete with the illegal national market. Considering that, the legal marketing is based on international currencies, and the currency exchange rates may influence the decisions. Are you concerned about our Amazon Rain Forest? Access the site (https://info.fsc.org/certificate.php) and search under "Organization / Name" Only this way, we will be able to enjoy the beauties of our forest, aligned with environmental sustainability and the social development of local communities. Ethics We decide to follow and respect the legislation and tax obligations of [...]

Do you know what forest management wood is? It is the management technique used to reduce the impacts of forest exploration and ensure the sustainability of forest production by planning the harvest and monitoring the growth of the forest. The management wood allows it to extract responsibly. A productive rotation happens to remove adult trees while the younger ones grow in a continuous cycle of extraction and preservation. The wood industries divide the area into something around 25 and 30 production units, where, each year, one of these areas already explored return for management only in 25 or 30 years. The amount of biomass removed is never higher than the amount gained during this "rest" period. The benefits of forest management include guaranteed wood production for an indefinite time, reduced waste of natural resources, increased productivity, wealth generation, less impact on wild fauna and flora, reduced work accidents, and, finally, social engagement. There is the possibility to obtain a certification recognized worldwide to attest to the forest management and the best environmental and social practices, analyzed through annual audits to guarantee more security and credibility in the system. This certification is the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®), which is present in 65 countries. The FSC applies international criteria according to the type of management and forest to be exploited, considering the local conditions of each country or region, following a list of principles adopted before issuing the green seal. Tora Brasil's products are special and unique in design to be present in your living room, kitchen, office, bedroom, and balcony. [...]

Nature is one of the most important forces to human beings, even more, when people are engaged in conservation and preservation policies. People must consider respect as an aspect of our lives, leading to learning about nature matters, strength, recycling, and transformation. This framework helped us to develop great projects, sustainable subjects, and knowledge. We, from Votu Hotel, do have this concern about nature. Located on "Praia dos Algodões" ( Algodões Beach), in Bahia, the enterprise emerges in an area with vast biodiversity: sea, coral reef, mangroves, Atlantic Forest, and natural lagoons. Furthermore, the location presents challenges related to high temperatures, pluviometry index, and salinity. The company GCP Architecture & Urbanism decided to use biomimetic techniques to deliver a project in harmony with the environment and comfort of the buildings. Biomimicry is a science that studies and explores the creative principles and strategies of nature. Its practice results in solutions to problems that unite functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. It can apply techniques in several areas, such as chemistry, biology, medicine, agronomy, and, of course, architecture. The Votu Hotel believes that the main legacy of the knowledge utilized on projects, acquired by observing natural life, was the natural and constant ventilation of its rooms - inspired by the Prairie Dog, which burrows in the ground with entries and exits of air. Another inspiration was the self-shading of some cacti, which guaranteed a way to close the building. Finally, the roof of the hotel kitchen is a slab garden, which acts as a thermal energy exchanger, inspired by the beak of the toucans.   Images: Site [...]

Wood is a material that has many stories..., which makes the furniture even more special because of the impressions left by people in the environment! When you buy a piece of wooden furniture for your home or work environment, you may be revealing characteristics that tell stories from other people who worked, in some way, in the extraction, production, and commercialization. A wooden bench, for example, may reveal a story told by people and now becomes part of your daily life. Someone had identified the potential when it was just a log and visualized a project. Other people were responsible for the proper cutting and transportation, preserving the environment in which this log was grown and developed. Another person, probably an idealist, designed the projects and carefully organized the manufacturing, from initial handling to finishing. The masterpiece is ready to be seen by an architect, designer, or buyer who wishes to enhance a home or office. Consequently, a piece of wood brings with it a whole trajectory of emotions and technique, impressions that are marked by the eyes and thoughts of all those involved in the process, and today, when you buy it, it is part of your life, your history. Inevitably, you will leave your impressions on the piece. The question is, what marks will you create on your furniture?

How many dining tables have you bought in your entire life? And how many moments do you live around it? The dining table, as a pillar, is the primordial element of a house, a family's living center where we have our main meals, gatherings with friends, play games, or play cards with our grandparents. Sometimes it is a workplace, and it is the place where the children do their homework, as well. In short, we sit down to make decisions, reconcile with someone, and even learn some life lessons. Around it, we socialize with family and friends; we laugh; we celebrate birthdays; we eat; we drink; we exchange glances and ideas. It is the meeting point of the main holidays and celebrations, where we enjoy a turkey at the Christmas dinner and the codfish on Good Friday. The dining table is like a mother's heart: There will always be room in a mother's heart for one more! After all, all you have to do is pull up a chair. Around it, we live many important, unforgettable, and ordinary moments that make the essence of the house and shape our history linked to the residence we live in and with whom we live. For Tora Brasil, these are moments that value life. We have in the dining table a symbol of joy, friendship, and union, sharing experiences with refinement, sophistication, and harmony. With this in mind, our tables are always carefully projected and designed in a way that brings out the best in all these [...]

The Japanese restaurant chain Kosushi opened its doors in São Paulo and Miami, combining tradition and innovation. One of the environments in São Paulo already has more than 30 years of existence and consecrates the São Paulo public with a pleasant experience. The very first international unit in Miami represents the great history of the brand. Kosushi Miami is where the traditional and the modern are combined, designed to provide a unique experience in total immersion, deeply rooted in the Japanese lifestyle, and also multicultural. The renowned architect Arthur Casas designed the dining room that impresses those who visit the restaurant with its unique wooden structure on the ceiling, modern and original. Tora Brasil took part in this achievement and provided the best experience customers can have. In an outstanding atmosphere and modern environment, surrounded by nature through the woods, in a panoramic view, the lunch counter of the dining room is our masterpiece. The table is round, intending to combine tastes with pleasantness, collecting good moments with great company and excellent cuisine. To dive into an exclusive and impressive experience, Kosushi and Tora Brasil prioritize good moments to generate the best memories. The importance of being involved in a large project like this is to consider people passing through the restaurant, taking part in the Amazon, unconsciously. We are taking to the world awareness about the importance of preserving the Brazilian forest from the concept of rooms.   Kosushi